GOSPEL READING
THE GOSPEL OF LUKE
Loving and Compassionate: Lk 6,27-38
We now come to the second part of the Sermon. The evangelist has done some careful editing here so a close look at the details will important for reading these verses.
We can begin with "Be compassionate" in verse 36. This pronouncement is seen by some as concluding what precedes while others see it as beginning what follows. So we need to ask which seems preferable.
Comparing verse 35 with verse 27 will give us a clue. Look as well as the equivalent saying in the Gospel of Matthew, Mt 5,48. What is its place in the Sermon on the Mount?
Whilst we are looking at Matthew, we noted in the overview that Luke omits Mt 5,43. It will be helpful to make a brief comparison between these verses, 6,27-35 and Mt 5,43-48. What does this tell us about Luke's version?
From this, how do we divide this second part into two sections. How does 6,36 now affect our reading?
Go now to my response.
Love your enemies: 6,27-35
Look carefully at this section. Note how the grammer falls into two parts with the first involving verbs in the imperative. Then look for the unity in the second part, though this may not be entirely clear in all translations.
How therefore does Luke develop his thought in these verses?
Be compassionate: 6,36-38
There are four elements in this passage each ending with a key statement from Jesus. Try to identify these elements. What teaching is given twice?
For enemies, 6,27, look at Matthew 5,43; for the Golden Rule, 6,31, see Matthew 7,12. For 6,36, we have looked at Mt 5,48 already.
What is the overall teaching of this second part? How have human relations been redefined by Jesus?
Then take another look at my response.
The Sunday Gospel
This second part of the Sermon on the Plain, 6,27-38, forms the Gospel reading for the 7th Sunday of the Year. Following from our discussion abovee can note the opening line of the second paragraph.
The Old Testament passage which accompanies the Gospel this week is formed from extracts from 2nd Samuel 26. Read therefore the whole of chapter 26. Is the passage read at Mass a fair summary? How effective is this story in providing a real illustration of the teaching of the Gospel?
It is also good to read the whole of the Psalm used for the responsorial psalm, Ps 103. How does this Psalm contribute to this Sunday's readings?
Then have a look at my response.
We can now continue with the final part of the sermon, the parables, 6,39-49.