GOSPEL READING
THE GOSPEL OF LUKE
The Coming of the Kingdom: Lk 17,20-37
Read through these verses looking for the various elements of which it is formed. Who is speaking and to whom? Verse 36 is usually regarded as an intrusion reflecting Mt 24,40. This gives us the framework for our reading.
Also have a look at chapter 21 and look for the difference between what Jesus is saying in that chapter and what he is saying here.
A look at my response will help at this point.
The Day of the Son of Man
What might we expect from the questioners in the first two verses, 17,20-21? See for example Lk 10,9.11 or the preceeding healing, 17,15-11.
What point is Jesus making in verse 21?
The audience then changes in verse 22 to the disciples though there is no reaction from them. Their attitude though can be seen in Acts 1,6-7, which echoes verses 22-24.
Note as well how the theme changes from the question asked by the Pharisees.
Verse 25 recalls 9,22.
The examples of the contemporaries of Noah and Lot then follow in verses 26 to 30 . It is always useful to refresh our memories of these ancient stories: Noah is in Genesis 6-8 and Lot in Genesis 18-19
why does Lot's wife get special mention in verse 32 (see Gen 19,26)?
How are the sayings of verses 34 and 35 typical of Luke? What point is being made?
How are we to understand the saying in verse 37? Look for variations among the translations. See Mt 24,28. See also 22,19, 24,3 and Ex 19,4.
Time now to look at my response.
The Sunday Gospel
This second half of chapter 17 is not included in the Sunday Lectionary. The reason for leaving it out is not clear because nothing similar appears to be read on other Sundays.
We now continue with the parable which concludes this teaching by Jesus, 18,1-8. There we will see that the theme of preparedness continues.