WELCOMING THE OTHER IN LUKE 9,51-56: A JOURNEY OF ECUMENICAL UNDERSTANDING

Resumo

The passage in Luke 9,51-56, where Jesus rebukes His disciples for wanting to use violence against a Samaritan village that rejected them, is a strong example of the Christian values of peace, forgiveness, and reconciliation. This event, which is often ignored, offers an important way to understand the challenges and chances for ecumenical dialogue in the Catholic Church. This paper intends to look at this story not just as a conflict and a warning but also as an important text for grasping the issues of church unity and dialogue between different denominations. By doing a detailed analysis, this study will review the effects of Jesus' reaction to His disciples and the lessons for modern ecumenical activities, especially those promoted by the Second Vatican Council's teachings on unity and interfaith discussions. By placing the conversation in the social and historical conflicts between Jews and Samaritans, the paper seeks to reveal the lasting values of tolerance and acceptance that are vital for Christian unity today. In addition, it will examine how these ecumenical ideas can be applied in today’s world, suggesting ways for the Church to engage with society while respecting the inclusive and reconciling spirit of the gospel.