GOSPEL READING
THE GOSPEL OF LUKE
Peace and Division: Lk 12,49-53
We are reading these verses on a separate page because they are presented as a Sunday Gospel. Yet we need to consider how this new theme follows on from the previous section.
Look for the three sayings of Jesus beginning with "I" (though one may not be clear in all translations).
For "fire from heaven", look at Elijah in 2 Kings 1,10.12.14. Also look back to 9,54.
What is the baptism of Jesus in verse 50? Look ahead to 13,33.
How does verse 51 follow on from the previous verse? For peace and division, look back to 2,14 and 2,34-35. Is there a contradiction here?
See how verses 52-53 echo Micah 7,6.
Then it is time to take a look at my response.
The Sunday Gospel
The Gospel for the 20th Sunday of Ordinary Time, 12,49-43, follows straight on from the reading for the previous Sunday, we have considered the connection. Just why it is so short (17 verses last Sunday, 5 this Sunday) is just one of those mysteries of the lectionary.
The accompanying Old Testament reading is taken from the prophet Jeremiah, Jer 38,4-10 with verse 7 omitted. Read the passage therefore in your Bible. Note too the heading for the reading which actually comes from Jer 15,10. Reflect on how this passage to be heard in light of the Gospel.
The responsorial psalm is also worth a reflection: consider how it has a key image which accompanies the Jeremiah reading, thoughusing a different word to the Gospel message.
Then have a look at my response.
We are now ready to consider the overview of chapter 13.