GOSPEL READING
THE GOSPEL OF LUKE
Setting up the Sermon: Lk 6,12-19
The Twelve: 6,12-16
We have seen that 6,11 is parallel to Mk 3,6. Now compare what follows in 6,12-19 with Mark 3,7-19. How has Luke edited Mark and what is the effect?
Where is Jesus and what is he doing in verse 12? See also 3,21; 9,28; 22,41 and elsewhere too. What is the significance of where he goes?
It's useful to compare this with Matthew, Mt 9,35-10,5 and note the two different settings for the call of the twelve.
Note as well Mt 10,2 in comparison with 6,13. What is special to Luke in this verse? What is its importance for Luke and Acts?
It is worth checking through the other lists of names for the Twelve: Mk 3,16-19 and Mt 10,1-4. Is the lack of consistency important? Look too at Acts 1,13. Look also at Acts 1,21-22 to see the necessary qualifications.
Now take a look at my response.
Transition to the Sermon: 6,17-19
Where does Jesus go in 6,17? Note the emphasis on his companions. Consider too how Luke has edited Mark, Mk 3,7-12; to what effect?
Compare these verses with Mt 5,1. Have a look at Exodus 19,1-15. Who in Exodus is at the top of the mountain and who is at the bottom? Bearing in mind Luke's audience (6,17) can you suggest why Matthew has a Sermon on the Mount while Luke has a sermon on the plain?
Who are with Jesus in verse 17? Who then are the various groups gathered around Jesus? Are they all Jews?
Why do they come to Jesus (verse 18)? Look back to 4,40.
Note how verse 19 echoes 4,14.
Time now for a look at my response.
The Sunday Gospel
The call of the twelve is not read in the cycle of Luke. Matthew's version (Mt 9,36-10,8) is preferred and read in cycle A, 11th Sunday. We have noted the quite different settings of the two versions and a look at the Matthew version in the lectionary will help to make this clear.
We now continue with the opening of the sermon and the beatitudes according to Luke, 6,20-26.