GOSPEL READING
THE GOSPEL OF LUKE
Galilee and Nazareth: Lk 4,14-21
Jesus returns to Galilee: 4,14-15
We can begin by comparing 4,14-15 with its equivalent, Mark 1,14-15. These are the verses which in all three Synoptic Gospels announce the return of Jesus to Galilee. Consider the differences between Mark and Luke and their significance. What provides the continuity through 4,1; 4,14 and 4,16?
Note the theme special to Luke which is introduced in 4,14 : see also 4,37; 5,15 and 7,17.
In 4,15 there is word Luke likes to use for Jesus's activity, some 14 times altogether. See, for example, 4,31; 5,3. What is the initial response to Jesus' ministry?
Now look at my response.
Jesus goes to Nazareth: 4,16-30
With Jesus back in Galilee, what happens next in Mark and Luke? Recall what we saw in the overview about where Luke placed Mark's first event in Galilee (Mk 1,16-20).
Luke instead has brought forward the visit to Nazareth from its place later in Mark's story (Mk 6,1-6). What might be his aim by placing this visit to the Nazareth synagogue right at the beginning?
What theme do the two evangelists have in common?
Have another look at my response.
Jesus preaches in Nazareth: 4,16-21
Now read the whole account of the events in Nazareth, 4,16-30. Then read more closely the first part, verses 16-21.
For Nazareth as Jesus' home village, see 1,24 and 2,51. What comment stands out in verse 16? (Look at 4,31 for a clue).
How has Luke framed Jesus' quotation from Isaiah? What is the effect of this?
Check the Isaiah quotation in the prophecy of Isaiah: Is 61,1-2. What is the contribution of Is 58,6? (There will be some differences because Luke is using the Greek Bible whilst we are using translations made from Hebrew.) What has Luke omitted - and why? How does Isaiah use the quotation and how does Luke?
We need to note that Luke frequently speaks of the poor - see for example 1,52; 6,20; 7,22.
Verse 19 introduces a theme which you may find new. The background comes from Leviticus, Lev 25,8-24 and also the preceeding verses Lev 26,1-7. Note especially verse 10.
How is the proclamation of verse 21 being fulfilled? "Today" is fitting word to end this first part: see Ps 95,7 and 2,11; also, 19,9; 23,43.
Now look at my response.
The Sunday Gospel
The Gospel for the 3rd Sunday of the Year includes the Prologue of the Gospel, 1,1-4, and then the first part of the sermon by Jesus in the synagogue in Nazareth, 4,14-21. Can you spot what links the two parts?
The Old Testament reading which accompanies the sermon is taken from the book of Nehemiah 8,2-6.8-10. Read the whole passage in your Bible and then consider how it reflects the Gospel.
Then have a look at my response.
(It may be useful to note that the Gospel for the 2nd Sunday of the Year is taken from the Gospel of John in all three cycles. The Gospel reading for that Sunday is seen a follow up to the feast of the Epiphany. This is especially important in cycle C when the wedding feast at Cana is read (Jn 2,1-11). Traditionally this episode of the wedding is part of the feast of the Epiphany, together with the visit of the Magi and the baptism of Jesus.)
We can now continue with the further development of the sermon in 4,22-30