GOSPEL READING
THE GOSPEL OF LUKE
Vigilant Servants: Lk 12,35-48
The main topic here is the slaves prepared for the return of their master, 12,35-48. It is followed by a reflection by Jesus on his mission, 12,49-53, which concludes this speech to the disciples.
Slaves and the Master: 12,35-48
Read these verses carefully and see how Jesus' teaching unfolds in two stages with Peter's question in 12,41 as the obvious marker. What is the theme of each part?
Note too how certain words run through the section: jot down the occurance of slave and master, waiting and coming.
A look at Matthew 24,43-51 will show those verses which are unique to Luke.
Look at my response for the overview of this part.
Prepared: 12,35-40
"Gird your loins" in verse 35 is simplified by many translations as "dressed for action". Note how it recalls Exodus 12,11 and also 1 Kings 18,46.
For lamps lit, look back to 12,3 and 11,33.
"Knocking at the door" see Apoc 3,20. See also 13,25.
In verses 37 and 38 we have "blessed". As well as the Beatitudes in chapter 6, these are quite frequent in Luke, see 1,45 for example. There will be a third in verse 43.
Who is the householder in verse 39? Look at how the thief in the night is a common image in the NT: Mt 24,43; 1 Thess 5,2; Apoc 3,3.
Verse 40 with the coming of the Son of Man is based on Daniel 7,13. Where lies the focus here?
Stewards: Lk 12,41-48
Peter's special role as a spokesman comes from 5,1-11; 9,20; 22,31-32. What is the effect of his question in verse 41?
How does Peter address Jesus in verse 41 and the response open in verse 42? (See verse 36)
"Steward" in verse 42 is a word special to Luke in the Gospels (16,1-8). See 1 Cor 4,1-2 for its Christian meaning. Likewise, what is the Christian meaning of slaves? See Galatians 1,10.
In verse 43, we have another "blessed" and the reward that comes with it in verse 44.
Verses 45 to 48 then deal with what happens when things go wrong. Note the echoes of the rich fool (12,19) in verse 45. Note the three step grading of punishments. Look at Numbers 15,27-31 and Dt 25,2-3 for background.
Note as well the final note in verse 48. It's significance will follow.
So now go to my response.
The Sunday Gospel: 19th Sunday of Ordinary Time
The Sunday Gospel for the 19th Sunday, 12,32-48, begins with a few verses taken from the part concerning possessions (12,32-34). No doubt, verse 34 was seen as important by the editors. It does though remind us that there is continuity through verse 34 to verse 35. The saying of verse 34 can usefully be seen as a hinge.
The Old Testament reading is taken from the Wisdom of Solomon, Wisdom 18,6-9. The whole passage, Wisdom 18,5-19, is a reflection on passover night. The four verse reading has been described as the most obscure in the Sunday lectionary.
We are now ready to read the climax of Jesus' speech, 12,49-53.