GOSPEL READING
THE GOSPEL OF LUKE
The True Disciple: Lk 6,39-49
The evangelist in verse 39 opens the third part of the sermon. Luke here draws out the lessons of the first two parts. Although the word "disciple" appears only in verse 40, we can take it as the theme running through these verses. Who is the teacher in this verse?
In the overview, we listed out the contents of Luke's sermon and noted that this third part is similar to the ending of Matthew's Sermon on the Mount. Review the comparison and noted what Luke has omitted.
We have already noted how this third part is introduced by the evangelist's statement in 6,39, similar to the beginning of the second part in 6,27. Consider the significance of the noun being in the singular. See 4,23 and 5,36. How many sayings are there?
Note how the message is made clear in verses 40 and 45. With that in mind, try to read the "narrative thread" running through these verses. What is the presuppostion (verses 43-44). What is being said here?
A comparison with Matthew, Mt 7,15-20, will highlight Luke's emphasis in 6,43-45. Note the word in verse 45 which is key.
Like Matthew, Mt 7,24-27, the image of the two buildings follows, 6,46-49. Once again, what word indicates Luke's distinctive emphasis?
Finally, we have noted already the formal ending to both Sermons, 7,1 and Mt 7,28.
Time now for a look at my response.
The Sunday Gospel
The third part of the Sermon on the Plain is read on the 8th Sunday in Ordinary Time. The reading omits the last paragraph of the sermon. Why, do you think? (I've already mentioned the reason earlier.)
The reading from the book of Ecclesiasticus is a short unit from chapter 27. How does it help our understanding of the Gospel?
If (as I hope) you are reading the passage in your Bible, you may like to have a look at chapter 26 as well.
Then take a look at my response.
The formal ending of the sermon is in 7,1 as we have seen. We can now move on to our overview of that chapter.