The bull of St Luke

THE GOSPEL OF LUKE

The Rich and the Poor: Lk 16,14-31

Three Sayings: 16,14-18

Verse 14 introduces the Pharisees who are present and provide an example of Jesus' saying in 16,13. But see for example Deut 28,12-14 and the tales at the beginning and end of Job.
The word for "scoff" means literally "turn up one's nose".

Jesus' first response comes in verse 15. See 1 Sam 16,7 or Ps 139 for background. For the abomination, see Daniel 9,27.

The second saying from Jesus is a statement of principle about the law. See Mt 11,12 and Mt 5,18.

The saying in verse 18 may come as a surprise at this point as it seems out of context. We can consider why it is here: check to see if the topic is covered elsewhere by Luke. See Mark 10,2-12. For the OT background see Ex 20,14 and Dt 24,1-4.

We can go to my response.

The Parable: 16,19-31

The title of this parable usually includes the beggar Lazarus. What does Lazarus do during the story? Why might it be more accurate if Lazarus was dropped from the title?

Read through the parable and note how it comes in two parts.

The rich man in verse 19 is super rich. For purple garments see Judges 8,26 and Acts 16,4. How is his daily dinner described? See Lk 6,24 and also Dt 15,11.

Where is Lazarus? See Lk 6,20. What is the effect of the description given of him?

Note the contrast between the fates of two men after death. See Tobit 1,17.

The scene is now set: what do we learn about the rich man in verse 24?

Verses 25 and 26 then conclude the first part of the parable. A classic enough tale so far.

But then the story continues in verses 27 and 28 leading to the real point of the story in verses 29-31. Has the attitude of the rich man changed? How does he address Abraham? See 3,8. See also 16,16-17.
In verse 28, there occurs the same word as Acts 2,40 and elsewhere in Acts.

Verse 29 is echoed in 24,27.44. See too 11,28. Look at Dt 8,11-20 for background.

What would verses 30 and 31 say to Luke's community? Where does the parable leave us?

Then go to my response.

The Sunday Gospel

The story of the rich man is read on the 26th Sunday of the Year, but only the parable itself, Lk 16,19-31. It is perhaps not surprising that the sayings leading into the parable, verses 14-18 are omitted, especially as the saying about divorce in verse 18 is not easy.

As last Sunday so once again we hear from the prophet Amos (Amos 6,1.4-7) for our reading from the Old Testament. As usual, reflect upon its suitablity as a companion to the Gospel.

We can go to my response.

On now to chapter 17 which begins with Jesus again speaking to his disciples.