The bull of St Luke

THE GOSPEL OF LUKE

Jesus in Capernaum, Lk 4,31-44

Jesus now moves to Capernaum (4,31) and for the rest of this chapter the story follows Mark closely (Mk 1,21-39).

A comparison between the accounts of Mark and Luke is important for our reading because there are significant differences between the presentations of the two Gospels. At this point, check out the order of the stories; for the moment we are going up to the end of chapter 1 of Mark's Gospel. Look to see where Luke tells the last incident of Mark's first chapter.

Comparing with Mark

A good way for us read this second part of the chapter will be to compare the incidents in Luke with Mark in detail. Spot the changes Luke has made taking each incident in turn, these will be our main interest. They are significant because they do tell us about Luke's interests and the themes he will be developing. Those are the changes we need to note.

A synopsis is a book which lines up in columns parallel passages between the three Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke. If you have one available, that will help. However, we must be aware that synopses are tools and like all tools are only as good as their user. The relationship between the three Gospels is complex and so editorial decisions are needed to make the best parallels possible in the Synopsis. This can mean, for example, changing the verse order in one of the Gospels. So users beware.
For groups, it would be good if one member read Mark aloud whilst the others picked up the differences in Luke. Yet another warning here: some of the differences between the Gospels may originate in the translation. With care though, there is scope for a fruitful comparison.

One notable detail in Luke is that he uses the same word three times for the healings. Look for this word and consider its significance.

Now another look at my response.

The Sunday Gospel: Luke and Mark

The last part of chapter 4 of Luke's Gospel is not read on Sundays. As we have seen, Luke is following Mark very closely and it is Mark's account which is read in cycle B. The policy of the lectionary editors was to avoid repetition from cycle to cycle.

So far in the story, Jesus has been ministering without disciples present. Presumably though they were not far away. We would for example expect Peter to know of the healing of his mother in law.
It is now time for the appearance of disciples as Jesus makes his call to them (5,1-11).