How The Gospel of Luke Portrays A Model Of Social Justice

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Luke’s Gospel is a portrayal of Jesus as a model of social justice. Hence, the reader is empowered and influenced by the Gospel to be actively involved in social justice issues. The Catholic Church has sought to reach out to those in need, and Luke’s Gospel demonstrates this through injustices that Jesus challenged. In addition, mental illness, which is a current social justice issue reflects and appeals to problems that Jesus faced and reacted to in his time.

Luke’s Gospel greatly emphasizes the social justice aspect of Christian living. Throughout the third book in the New Testament, the story and history of Jesus Christ is written, and Luke preserves the many sayings of Jesus warning that those with material possessions have a responsibility to the poor and disadvantaged. Luke’s portrayal of the social conscience of Jesus also provides accounts of the injustices that Jesus challenged, which the Catholic Church’s teachings stem from.

Catholics who conduct acts of social justice do not discriminate against those who are ‘different.’ They aim to challenge the structural nature of poverty, by helping people, regardless of race, political beliefs, gender or religion. Caritas Australia - the Catholic agency for international aid and development – are an example of good Catholics who are committed to delivering aid and development to the underprivileged. Similarly, the Australian Social Justice Council promotes education and action on social justice and peace and human rights - integrating them deeply into the life of the whole Catholic community in Australia.

In this way, organisations such as Caritas and the ACSJC seek to bring good news to the poor and freedom to the oppressed.

The Catechism and related Script...

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...reat them as worthwhile human beings. After all, humans are created in God’s image, and possess great value, so Jesus would preach this message and demonstrate how people could live this message out in their lives, in relation to assisting those with a mental illness.

Luke’s Gospel empowers its readers to be involved in evangelisation. As a model of social justice, Jesus demonstrated the challenges that are faced when associating with outcasts, and the Catholic Church bases their teachings on Jesus’ mission. People with mental illness are a perfect example of those who; at times, are isolated, but in turn, can be assisted with acts of social justice that reflect principles in the Catechism and the Scripture. Essentially, the call to social justice can only truly be fulfilled by altering the structural nature of poverty, and providing aid for the impoverished.

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