GOSPEL READING
THE GOSPEL OF LUKE
Chapter 11: Overview
As we continue our following of Jesus on the journey to Jerusalem, the focus on his teachings has now begun. Luke usually makes it clear to whom Jesus is speaking. We will see how sometimes Jesus is speaking with friends, sometimes with foes and sometimes with those who are in between for various reasons. We need to be alert to the audience if we are to have the right expectations. Changes of audience therefore will usually be our guide to the various parts of each chapter. Chapter 11 will bring all this out well.
These teachings of Jesus often come from Luke's own sources. Sometimes there are parallels with Matthew's Gospel, though comparisons are not always straightforward because Luke is following his own editorial policy. In fact, we will find a comparison with Matthew to be more helpful with the details rather than the longer comparisons which we have been making earlier with Mark's Gospel.
Now read through chapter 11; note the new beginning in 11,1. Look for the various audiences in the chapter, continue up to 12,1 and note that there is another new beginning there. Note in particular where and how the first half of this chapter comes to a climax.
From this, how many different scenes are there in the chapter.
And then consider the pages for our reading.
Have a look at my response.
We are now ready to read the first part of the chapter where Jesus is speaking about prayer (11,1-13).
The Sunday Gospel
The first part of the chapter concerning prayer is heard as a Sunday Gospel, as we shall see. The rest of the chapter is then omitted in the Sunday readings, all the way through to 12,12.