I tell you truly: this poor widow has contributed more than all of them. For all of these gave their gifs out of their abundance. But this woman contributed out of her poverty everything that she had to live on. Luke 21: 3-4 The scripture scholar Luke Timothy Johnson points out that the literal translation…[read more]
When he had gone into the temple he began to cast out those who were engaged in selling. He said to them, “It is written, ‘My house will be a house of prayer,’ but you have made it ‘a robber’s cave.’” He was teaching every day in the Temple. Luke 19: 45-7 Unlike Mark, Luke…[read more]
And as Jesus approached, he saw the city. He wept over it. He said, “If you—even you—had known on this day the things that make for peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes.” Luke 19-41-2 The words of Jesus to the people as he enters Jerusalem, at what the gospel of Luke terms…[read more]
Master, here is your mina. I hid it in a handkerchief out of fear of you, for you are a severe man. You withdraw what you have not deposited. You reap what you have not sown. Luke 19: 20-21 Today’s parable from Luke 19 offers a teaching that is present in each of the synoptic…[read more]
When he reached the spot, Jesus looked up. He said to him, “Zacchaeus, hurry down from there! For I must stay in your house today!” He quickly climbed down and joyfully welcomed him. Luke 19: 5-6 This morning I was reading a reflection by the spiritual teacher Eknath Easwaran (Words to Live By). He writes:…[read more]
So he shouted out, “Jesus, Son of David! Show mercy to me!” Those in front began to rebuke him into silence, but he shouted even more, “Son of David! Show mercy to me!” Jesus stood still. He ordered that the man be brought to him. When he had come close, he questioned him: “What do…[read more]
Remember Lot’s wife! Anyone seeking to hold life as a possession will lose it. Whoever loses it will keep it alive. Luke 17: 32-3 The context for today’s gospel remains the question of the Pharisees concerning the time for the coming of the kingdom of God, and then Jesus’ teaching to the disciples concerning where…[read more]
Jesus answered the Pharisees: “The kingdom of God does not come by close scrutiny. Neither will they say, “Look! Here it is!” or “There it is!” For look, the kingdom of God is among you.” Luke 17: 20-21 And she who is one can do all things, and renews everything while herself perduring; And passing…[read more]
As Jesus came into a certain village ten men who were lepers met him. They stood a long way off and shouted, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” Luke 17: 11-12 According to the Book of Numbers, those afflicted with leprosy must stay outside the encampment, town, or village and must shout when people approach…[read more]
You don’t say “Thanks” to a slave, do you, for doing what was commanded? The case is the same with you. When you have done everything that has been commanded you, say, “We are useless slaves! We have done what we were supposed to do!” Luke 17: 9-10 One of the great conflicts in the…[read more]
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