GOSPEL READING
THE GOSPEL OF LUKE
The Life of Faith: Lk 17,1-10
We can begin by noting that these verses end with a saying of Jesus just like 16,13 and 16,31. This followed in 17,11 by the comment that Jesus is on his way to Jerusalem. With these verses there is continuity with chapter 16 and we can read these sayings to the disciples as a follow up to that chapter.
These sayings are therefore a careful composition by the evangelist for this purpose. See for example how the image of the millstone is used differently when compared with Mark (Mk 9,42) and Matthew (Mt 18,6-7). Likewise, the command to forgive is also found in Matthew 18,21-22 while the mulberry tree is found in Mt 17,20. The parable of the servant though is unique to Luke. We can observe therefore how Luke has used traditions which are found also in the other Gospels but as we have seen before, he has done so in his own way and for his own purposes.
We need to establish the thematic unity of these ten verses. What are the four sayings within this unit? Whilst Jesus is speaking to the disciples throughout, there is an interruption by the apostles in verse 5. With that interruption in mind, linking the two halves of the unit, try to read these verses as a whole. How does 10,1 open the unit and 10,10 close it?
verses 1-2: The key word in these verses has some variations in the translations. The Greek word has though become a good English word. Can you identify it? See 1st Peter 2,8.
Verses 3-4: notice the differences with Mt 18,21-22. How do these verses develop the previous two?
Verses 5-6: what does the introduction to verse 5 say about the setting? See 7,13 and 9,10. What is the message of the image in verse 6? What is the significance of the sea. Look at Mk 11,20-25.
From this consider the parable of 7,7-10. Think about the relationship betwen master and slave. What then is the message of the parable?
Go now to my response.
The Sunday Gospel
Lk 17,5-10 are read as the Sunday Gospel on the 27th Sunday of the Year.
From what we have read, why would I regard this editing as unsatisfactory?
The Old Testament reading is a selection of verses from the prophet Habakkuk. See how Hab 1,1-2,5 form a dialogue between the prophet and God. What parts of this dialogue have been used for the reading? How does the message of the prophet link with the Gospel? See how the last verse is quoted in Romans 1,16-17 and Hebrews 10,37-38.
Then go to my response.We can now continue our reading of this chapter with Jesus continuing his journey to Jerusalem.