GOSPEL READING
THE GOSPEL OF LUKE
The Widow and the Judge: Lk 18,1-8
We have seen how the saying in 18,8 ties this parable to what precedes.
18,1 begins "he told them ..." To whom does "he" refer? Look at 17,5 and 18,6. Considering this and the location given in verses 2 and 3, to whom is the parable addressed?
Consider what 18,1 tells us about the purpose of the parable in view of what preceeds. See also 11,5-8.
For the way the judge is introduced in verse 2, look at Prov 1,7 and Psalm 110,11.
Verse 3 introduces a widow. There are many widows in this Gospel. Consider the situation of this widow in light of 7,11-15. Look also at the book of Ruth.
For the widow's needs, note Dt 10,12.18. Also Dt 27,19.
Consider the judge's attitude in verses 4 and 5.
What is the comment made about this in verses 6, 7 and the first half of verse 8? See Dt 15,9
We have noted how the second half of verse 8 refers back to the second half of chapter 17.
Go now to my response.
The Sunday Gospel
The parable of the widow and the judge (Lk 18,1-8) forms the Gospel for the 29th Sunday of the Year.
The Old Testament Reading is taken from the book of Exodus, Ex 17,8-13. Read on to the end of the chapter, Ex 17,14-16. What is going on? See also Dt 7,1-11.
Then consider if this reading a good accompaniment for this Sunday's Gospel.
Go now to my response.
We now move on to our overview of the rest of chapter 18.