One of the major themes that appeals to me in Luke's Gospel is his emphasis on peace and joy. In the beginning John the Baptist jumps for joy in his mother's womb as she embraces Mary pregnant with Jesus. Near the end the disciples rejoice when they see the Risen Jesus. And at the very end of the Gospel they "returned to Jerusalem with great joy; and they were continually in the temple blessing God."
At the birth of Jesus the angels sing "Peace!" to the shepherds. In his triumphal entry into Jerusalem the crowd shouts, "Peace!" The Risen Jesus says to his disciples, "Peace!"
Even Luke's account of the Passion has a certain tranquility about it. Jesus sympathizes with the women of Jerusalem, forgives those who are crucifying him, promises Paradise to the "Good Thief," and surrenders peacefully to God with the words, "Father, into your hands I commend my spirit."
Peace and Joy are signs that Jesus has brought us back home to God.
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