GOSPEL READING
THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW
The Greatest Commandment, Mt 22,34-40
On this page we are reading the final two sections of chapter 22 which continue the theme of interpreting Scripture. There is also a change of direction in verse 41 and reading these two sections together will help to highlight this.
In the first section, Matthew continues to follow Mark (Mk 12,28-34) with the usual small but significant alterations. But there is also a major change, have a look for that.
Note how Matthew in verses 34 and 35 has changed Mk 12,28.
It is not clear from the manuscripts if the reference to the lawyer in verse 35 is original or an interpolation from Lk 10,25. This would be the only reference to a lawyer in this Gospel, Matthew usually refers to scribes. How does the questioning by a lawyer alter the tone of the debate?
Note how the lawyer addresses Jesus in verse 36. The question he asks would have been frequently debated by the scribes and lawyers.
For Jesus' answer in verse 37, see Dt 6,4-9. What has Matthew omitted, see Mk 12,29? Note that verse 38 makes this the answer to the question.
In verse 39, consider how Jesus then continues, see Lev 19,18. For this, look also at 5,43-48 and 19,16-22.
The conclusion in verse 40 is special to Matthew. See 5,17.
Consider therefore this scene within the teaching of the Gospel as a whole.
Now go to my response.
The Son of David: Mt 22,41-46
Jesus now takes the initiative. From this point he will be the speaker until he leaves the Temple (24,1-2).
Note how Matthew in 22,41-43, has re-cast Mark, Mk 12,35. What is the effect of this alteration? Why is it that he makes Jesus ask the question instead of his adversaries?
For the importance of Psalm 110 see for example Heb 1,3-5. 8,1 and note Heb 5,6.
For the Christ as Son of David, see 1,1 as well as (for example) Is 9,1-6 or Jer 23,5.
For verse 43 and David in the Spirit, see 2 Samuel 23,2.
Verse 44 then quotes Ps 110,1 and Jesus poses the riddle in verse 45.
In verse 45 note Matthew's addition to Mark (Mk 12,37). Compare this with Jesus (22,21.32).
Matthew provides his own conclusion in verse 46.
Now go again to my response.
The Sunday Gospel
The challenge about the greatest commandment, 22,34-40, is read as the Gospel for the 30th Sunday of the Year. Unusually, it is also read in the rather different account of Mark, Mk 12,28-34, on the 31st Sunday in Year B. Luke's version, Lk 10,25-28, introduces the parable of the Good Samaritan and so is read on the 15th Sunday of Year C. There is therefore a notable emphasis in the Sunday Gospels on this question of the greatest commandment.
The accompanying OT reading is from Exodus, Ex 22,20-26. Reflect on how this provides a setting for the Gospel. Where lies the emphasis?
The second part concerning the Son of David is not read in any year as a Sunday Gospel.
The scene is now set for Jesus dramatic denunciation of the scribes and Pharisees in chapter 23.