JOY
Luke’s gospel begins and ends with events of joy. He starts with the announcement of the birth of John (Lk 1:5-25) and Jesus (Lk 1:26-38), and then concludes with the resurrection (Lk 24:1-49) and ascension of Jesus (Lk 1:50-53).
Luke gives importance to the evidence of joy in heaven over the conversion of sinners. Through the parable of the lost sheep (Lk 15:4-7), Jesus taught that “there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need of repentance” (Lk 15:7). Jesus concluded the parable of the lost coin (Lk 15:8-10) saying, “I tell you, there will be rejoicing among the angels of God over one sinner who repents” (Lk 15:10). In the parable of the prodigal son (Lk 15:11- 32), the father told the elder son, “Now we must celebrate and rejoice, because your brother was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found” (Lk 15:32).