KATA LOUKANKATA LOUKAN

Fr. Randy Soto, Fr. Randy Soto, SThDSThD

Kenrick SeminaryKenrick Seminary

Who was Luke?Who was Luke?He was obviously not a self-promoter! Luke/Acts was written first and He was obviously not a self-promoter! Luke/Acts was written first and

foremost for a friend of his - Theophilus - who obviously didn't need to foremost for a friend of his - Theophilus - who obviously didn't need to be introduced to him; and he says little about his own role in Acts. be introduced to him; and he says little about his own role in Acts. (Even when he joins Paul on a missionary trip, he calls no attention to (Even when he joins Paul on a missionary trip, he calls no attention to the fact; we simply notice suddenly that the `he' has changed into a the fact; we simply notice suddenly that the `he' has changed into a `we'.) `we'.)

In the rest of the New Testament, he is mentioned only three times: in Col In the rest of the New Testament, he is mentioned only three times: in Col 4:14 (`4:14 (`Dear Doctor Luke sends his greetingsDear Doctor Luke sends his greetings '), 2 Tim 4:11 (`'), 2 Tim 4:11 (`Only Luke Only Luke is with meis with me'), and Philemon 24 (`'), and Philemon 24 (`Mark, Aristarchus, Demas and Luke, Mark, Aristarchus, Demas and Luke, my fellow-workers, send their greetingsmy fellow-workers, send their greetings '). ').

He wasn't Jewish; Col 4:11 distinguishes Mark, Aristarchus and Jesus He wasn't Jewish; Col 4:11 distinguishes Mark, Aristarchus and Jesus Justus as `the only Jewish Christians among my co-workers'. This Justus as `the only Jewish Christians among my co-workers'. This means he can't be the same Luke as the `Lucius' mentioned in Romans means he can't be the same Luke as the `Lucius' mentioned in Romans 16:11, who was a relative of Paul's. 16:11, who was a relative of Paul's.

Luke was probably a Christian before meeting Paul. There's a tradition Luke was probably a Christian before meeting Paul. There's a tradition that he was a Jewish proselyte, but it's more likely that he wasn't. He that he was a Jewish proselyte, but it's more likely that he wasn't. He seems to have joined Paul in Troas in AD 50 (Acts 16:10), then was seems to have joined Paul in Troas in AD 50 (Acts 16:10), then was with him until AD 59 (except from Acts 17 until the beginning of Acts with him until AD 59 (except from Acts 17 until the beginning of Acts 20). 20).

He may have been a preacher, and was certainly a warm person, much He may have been a preacher, and was certainly a warm person, much appreciated by others; there's a tradition, mentioned by Origen, that appreciated by others; there's a tradition, mentioned by Origen, that he is the `other brother' mentioned in 2 Cor 8:18 (`We are also sending he is the `other brother' mentioned in 2 Cor 8:18 (`We are also sending another brother with Titus. He is highly praised in all the churches as another brother with Titus. He is highly praised in all the churches as a preacher of the Good News.') Since Luke's passion was for the gospel, a preacher of the Good News.') Since Luke's passion was for the gospel, and the application of it to the whole world, this is just the kind of and the application of it to the whole world, this is just the kind of description of his teaching which we might expect. description of his teaching which we might expect.

Did he write Acts too?Did he write Acts too?HHere are some of the reasons to believe that Luke wrote both books:ere are some of the reasons to believe that Luke wrote both books: The style is unmistakably similar. The style is unmistakably similar. Both books are dedicated to Theophilus. Both books are dedicated to Theophilus. Acts mentions a `former treatise' by the same author, covering the life of Acts mentions a `former treatise' by the same author, covering the life of

Jesus. Jesus. The same concerns are in both books: they portray the Christian church as The same concerns are in both books: they portray the Christian church as

the outcome of God's promised activity in history, centering on Jesus, the outcome of God's promised activity in history, centering on Jesus, witnessed and attested by the experience of real living people. witnessed and attested by the experience of real living people.

Some of the phrases are distinctive and similar. `Simon the Zealot' is Some of the phrases are distinctive and similar. `Simon the Zealot' is described in this way only in Luke and in Acts. The Holy Spirit is described in this way only in Luke and in Acts. The Holy Spirit is described in both books as `the promise of the Father'. The insistence described in both books as `the promise of the Father'. The insistence upon the `witness' of the apostles is there in both books, much more than upon the `witness' of the apostles is there in both books, much more than in any of the other gospels. in any of the other gospels.

Luke's name is associated with the Gospel from the earliest lists (such as the Luke's name is associated with the Gospel from the earliest lists (such as the Muratorian Fragment). He's claimed as an Evangelist by Ireneus, just a Muratorian Fragment). He's claimed as an Evangelist by Ireneus, just a century later; he also quotes parts of the Gospel and ascribes them to century later; he also quotes parts of the Gospel and ascribes them to Luke. Tertullian and Clement of Alexandria also assume that the Gospel Luke. Tertullian and Clement of Alexandria also assume that the Gospel was written by Luke; and there's no competing claim anywhere else.was written by Luke; and there's no competing claim anywhere else.

The Muratorian Fragment says: The Muratorian Fragment says: The third Gospel book, that according to The third Gospel book, that according to Luke. This physician Luke after Christ's ascension, since Paul had taken Luke. This physician Luke after Christ's ascension, since Paul had taken him with him as an expert in The Way, composed it in his own name him with him as an expert in The Way, composed it in his own name according to his thinking. Yet neither did he himself see the Lord in the according to his thinking. Yet neither did he himself see the Lord in the flesh; and therefore, as he was able to discern it, so he begins to tell the flesh; and therefore, as he was able to discern it, so he begins to tell the story from the birth of John.story from the birth of John.

Where was Luke written?Where was Luke written?

Suggestions include Rome (because we Suggestions include Rome (because we think he spent a lot of time there with think he spent a lot of time there with Paul) Paul)

Achaia (because he was supposed to have Achaia (because he was supposed to have ended his days there). ended his days there).

Philippi because it has been argued that Philippi because it has been argued that Luke says so many nice things about Luke says so many nice things about Philippi in Acts, that either he was a native Philippi in Acts, that either he was a native of the place, or else he wrote Luke/Acts in of the place, or else he wrote Luke/Acts in Philippi for Philippian consumption. But Philippi for Philippian consumption. But on the other hand, maybe he just liked on the other hand, maybe he just liked Philippi.Philippi.

General AspectsGeneral Aspects

Literary Genre

Dihgh,sij: Narrative

Composition DateTerminus A quo 60

Terminus ad quem 67

AuthorLuke the Physician

SymbolThe Ox

SynopticsSynoptics

Synoptics Matthew Mark Luke

172 sections 172 sections of text of text

there are 114 there are 114 and 22 appear and 22 appear nowhere elsenowhere else

there are 84 and 5 there are 84 and 5 appear nowhere appear nowhere elseelse

there are 127 there are 127 and 48 appear and 48 appear nowhere else nowhere else

MiraclesMiracles 3 appear only 3 appear only herehere

2 appear only 2 appear only herehere

6 appear only 6 appear only here here

ParablesParables 10 appear only 10 appear only herehere

1 appears only 1 appears only herehere

18 appear only 18 appear only herehere

VersesVerses 10681068 674674 11491149

Verses found Verses found nowhere else nowhere else

337337 5050 612 612

Passages unique to LukePassages unique to LukeThe whole birth and infancy story in chs 1-2 The whole birth and infancy story in chs 1-2 The questions asked of John the Baptist by his The questions asked of John the Baptist by his

audiences (3:10-14) audiences (3:10-14) The genealogy of Jesus (3:23-38) The genealogy of Jesus (3:23-38) What happened in the synagogue at Nazareth (4:16-What happened in the synagogue at Nazareth (4:16-

30)* 30)* The miraculous catch of fish and the calling of the The miraculous catch of fish and the calling of the

disciples (5:1-11) disciples (5:1-11) The denunciation of the rich (6:24-26) The denunciation of the rich (6:24-26) The raising of the widow's son at Naim (7:11-17) The raising of the widow's son at Naim (7:11-17) The anointing by a sinful woman, and Parable of the The anointing by a sinful woman, and Parable of the

Two Debtors (7:36-50) Two Debtors (7:36-50) The women who looked after the disciples (8:1-3) The women who looked after the disciples (8:1-3) The rejection by a Samaritan village (9:51-56) The rejection by a Samaritan village (9:51-56) The would-be follower who wanted to say goodbye to The would-be follower who wanted to say goodbye to

his family (9:61-62) his family (9:61-62) The sending of the Seventy (10:1) - close links with The sending of the Seventy (10:1) - close links with

the sending of the Twelve, Mt 10/Mk 6 the sending of the Twelve, Mt 10/Mk 6 The story of the Good Samaritan (10:28-42) The story of the Good Samaritan (10:28-42) The story of the Importunate Friend (11:5-8) The story of the Importunate Friend (11:5-8) The woman who called out a blessing on Jesus (11:27-The woman who called out a blessing on Jesus (11:27-

28) 28) The greedy brother and the story of the Rich Fool The greedy brother and the story of the Rich Fool

(12:13-21) (12:13-21) The expansion of the parable of the unfaithful servant The expansion of the parable of the unfaithful servant

in 12:47-50 in 12:47-50 The murdered Galileans, barren fig tree and crippled The murdered Galileans, barren fig tree and crippled

woman (13:1-17) woman (13:1-17)

Jesus' message to Herod Antipas (13:31-33) Jesus' message to Herod Antipas (13:31-33) Healing of the man with swollen arms and legs Healing of the man with swollen arms and legs

(14:1-14) (14:1-14) Story of the great feast (14:15-24) Story of the great feast (14:15-24) Conditions of discipleship (14:28-33) Conditions of discipleship (14:28-33) The story of the lost coin, and the prodigal son The story of the lost coin, and the prodigal son

(15:8-32) (15:8-32) The story of the unjust steward (16:1-12) The story of the unjust steward (16:1-12) An exchange with the Pharisees (16:14-15) An exchange with the Pharisees (16:14-15) The story of the rich man and Lazarus (16:19-31) The story of the rich man and Lazarus (16:19-31) The healing of the ten lepers (17:7-19) The healing of the ten lepers (17:7-19) The illustration of Lot and his wife (17:28, 29, 32) The illustration of Lot and his wife (17:28, 29, 32) The story of the unrighteous judge, and the The story of the unrighteous judge, and the

Pharisee and publican (18:1-14) Pharisee and publican (18:1-14) Zaccheus (19:1-10) Zaccheus (19:1-10) The parable of the pounds (19:11-27)* The parable of the pounds (19:11-27)* The lament over Jerusalem (19:39-44) The lament over Jerusalem (19:39-44) Parts of the Last Supper story (22:15, 27-32, 35-Parts of the Last Supper story (22:15, 27-32, 35-

38) 38) Jesus sent to Herod (23:7-12) Jesus sent to Herod (23:7-12) The daughters of Jerusalem (23:27-31) The daughters of Jerusalem (23:27-31) The penitent thief (23:39-43) The penitent thief (23:39-43) The word from the Cross (23:46) The word from the Cross (23:46) The Road to Emmaus, the appearance to the The Road to Emmaus, the appearance to the

Eleven, the Ascension story (24:15-53) Eleven, the Ascension story (24:15-53)

The style of LukeThe style of LukeHe uses a large number of words we find nowhere else in the New Testament. He uses a large number of words we find nowhere else in the New Testament.

261 appear in the Gospel only261 appear in the Gospel only471 others appear only in Luke/Acts471 others appear only in Luke/ActsWherever he tells the same story as Mt and Mk, he changes words to use a Wherever he tells the same story as Mt and Mk, he changes words to use a

better Greek. better Greek. He uses a large number of medical terms, as you'd expect from a doctor. He uses a large number of medical terms, as you'd expect from a doctor.

Internal insights of the charactersInternal insights of the charactersHe uses lots of terms we also find in PaulHe uses lots of terms we also find in PaulHe likes using compound words; he's fluent in Greek and confident in his use of He likes using compound words; he's fluent in Greek and confident in his use of

it. it. There are telltale stylistic marks which make his writing distinctive, including There are telltale stylistic marks which make his writing distinctive, including

his use of the optative mood (which not many New Testament writers use); his use of the optative mood (which not many New Testament writers use); Curiously, though, there are lots of Hebraisms too - places where Greek is used Curiously, though, there are lots of Hebraisms too - places where Greek is used

in an odd way, as a non-Greek might speak it. It has been suggested that this in an odd way, as a non-Greek might speak it. It has been suggested that this is because Luke knew the Septuagint very well indeed and so his whole style is because Luke knew the Septuagint very well indeed and so his whole style has become affected by it. has become affected by it.

On the other hand, it's also been pointed out that Luke is fluent enough in his On the other hand, it's also been pointed out that Luke is fluent enough in his use of Greek to mimic the styles of other people where he wants to. We hear use of Greek to mimic the styles of other people where he wants to. We hear the real speaking voice of different groups of people in the Gospel, and the real speaking voice of different groups of people in the Gospel, and especiallyespecially in Acts. in Acts.

AddresseeAddressee

OObviously the first and most important bviously the first and most important recipient of Luke's Gospel was Theophilus.recipient of Luke's Gospel was Theophilus.

Exactly who Theophilus was we do not know. Exactly who Theophilus was we do not know. From the title `most excellent' which Luke From the title `most excellent' which Luke bestows on him... it would appear that he bestows on him... it would appear that he was a person of some eminence. was a person of some eminence.

He may have been "a representative member He may have been "a representative member of the intelligent middle-class public at of the intelligent middle-class public at Rome" interested in Christianity, most Rome" interested in Christianity, most likely someone already a believerlikely someone already a believer..

Key topics in LukeKey topics in LukePrayerPrayer. Jesus prays: (3:21, 5:16, 6:12); Parables about prayer (11:5, 18:1-14). Prayer in . Jesus prays: (3:21, 5:16, 6:12); Parables about prayer (11:5, 18:1-14). Prayer in

Acts (Acts 4:31, 13:2). The Apostles also pray (Acts 6:4). Acts (Acts 4:31, 13:2). The Apostles also pray (Acts 6:4). Jesus theJesus the LordLord. There is no `Messianic secret' in Luke in the same way that there is in . There is no `Messianic secret' in Luke in the same way that there is in

Mark. Luke presents Jesus as `the Lord'Mark. Luke presents Jesus as `the Lord' ( (o` Ku,rioj) ) from the start, (23:27ff., 23:40ff., from the start, (23:27ff., 23:40ff., 22:51, 22:61). 22:51, 22:61).

The Holy SpiritThe Holy Spirit. Luke presents Jesus as carrying out his work `full of the Holy Spirit' . Luke presents Jesus as carrying out his work `full of the Holy Spirit' (4:1.14.18) The Acts of the Apostles, it has often been remarked, should really be (4:1.14.18) The Acts of the Apostles, it has often been remarked, should really be called `The Acts of the Holy Spirit'. `That the Spirit occupies a central concern in called `The Acts of the Holy Spirit'. `That the Spirit occupies a central concern in Luke's theology is seen first of all by the numerous references to his activity. Luke Luke's theology is seen first of all by the numerous references to his activity. Luke refers to the Spirit seventeen times, compared with twelve times for Matthew and six refers to the Spirit seventeen times, compared with twelve times for Matthew and six times for Mark.' times for Mark.'

Joy.Joy. The words for `joy' and `rejoicing' occur more often in Luke than any other New The words for `joy' and `rejoicing' occur more often in Luke than any other New Testament book. Luke gives us the exultant songs of Mary, Zechariah, and Simeon. Testament book. Luke gives us the exultant songs of Mary, Zechariah, and Simeon. `People are often found rejoicing or giving glory to God or praising him... There can `People are often found rejoicing or giving glory to God or praising him... There can be no doubt that the Christianity Luke knew was a wonderfully joyful affair.' be no doubt that the Christianity Luke knew was a wonderfully joyful affair.'

Evangelism and salvationEvangelism and salvation. It has been pointed out that the word `to evangelize'. It has been pointed out that the word `to evangelize' ((euvangeli,zomaieuvangeli,zomai) ) is used by Luke about the Christmas message, the ministry of John is used by Luke about the Christmas message, the ministry of John the Baptist, the work of Jesus and the preaching of the early church. It's a very the Baptist, the work of Jesus and the preaching of the early church. It's a very important word for Luke - as it was for Paul - but it isn't used by other Gospel writers important word for Luke - as it was for Paul - but it isn't used by other Gospel writers much at all. much at all.

Second ComingSecond Coming. Luke is keen to stress that the Second Coming is sure and certain, but . Luke is keen to stress that the Second Coming is sure and certain, but won't necessarily take place tomorrow (19:11). God is on the move, fulfilling a task, won't necessarily take place tomorrow (19:11). God is on the move, fulfilling a task, publishing a message, making our History a true History of Salvation. Two key publishing a message, making our History a true History of Salvation. Two key concepts express this ideaconcepts express this idea; ; Dei Dei andand Kairo,jKairo,j

Jesus and prayerJesus and prayer

When Jesus cleansed the temple (19:45f), he quoted Isaiah: `My house When Jesus cleansed the temple (19:45f), he quoted Isaiah: `My house shall be a house of prayer.' Prayer was central in worship to Jesus. shall be a house of prayer.' Prayer was central in worship to Jesus.

Jesus gave thanks to God at the beginning of meals. This prayer habit Jesus gave thanks to God at the beginning of meals. This prayer habit is mentioned three times by Luke. is mentioned three times by Luke.

Jesus withdrew from public for long periods in order to devote himself Jesus withdrew from public for long periods in order to devote himself to prayer. On one occasion (Luke 6:12) we're told that his prayer to prayer. On one occasion (Luke 6:12) we're told that his prayer time went on all night. time went on all night.

Luke underlines the intensity of Jesus' prayer - especially in the Garden Luke underlines the intensity of Jesus' prayer - especially in the Garden of Gethsemane. Prayer was a costly exercise for Jesus. of Gethsemane. Prayer was a costly exercise for Jesus.

Jesus prayed constantly; he was praying when the Spirit came upon Jesus prayed constantly; he was praying when the Spirit came upon him at the start of his ministry, and praying for his killers when he him at the start of his ministry, and praying for his killers when he was crucified at the end of it. His last act before his ascension was a was crucified at the end of it. His last act before his ascension was a blessing. blessing.

Sometimes he didn't pray. There is no case of healing or exorcism Sometimes he didn't pray. There is no case of healing or exorcism where Jesus prays first. It isn't that Luke believed prayer was where Jesus prays first. It isn't that Luke believed prayer was irrelevant; it's rather that Jesus had already won the victory by his irrelevant; it's rather that Jesus had already won the victory by his extended and disciplined times of prayer beforehand. extended and disciplined times of prayer beforehand.

Jesus' teaching on prayerJesus' teaching on prayer

The Lord's Prayer (11:2-4) – The Lord's Prayer (11:2-4) – The story of the friend at midnight (11:5-8) The story of the friend at midnight (11:5-8) Ask, seek, and knock (11:9-13) Ask, seek, and knock (11:9-13) The importance of faith (17:5-6) The importance of faith (17:5-6) The parables of the unjust judge and the The parables of the unjust judge and the

Pharisee and Publican (18:1-14) Pharisee and Publican (18:1-14) Other isolated sayings about thanksgiving and Other isolated sayings about thanksgiving and

praise as part of prayer and our responsibility praise as part of prayer and our responsibility to pray for God's Word to spread and his to pray for God's Word to spread and his salvation to break into human situationssalvation to break into human situations

Luke the PainterLuke the PainterThere's a legend (quite unfounded) that Luke was a painter. Here he paints the Virgin There's a legend (quite unfounded) that Luke was a painter. Here he paints the Virgin

Mary... who may have been the source of some of his information on the prayer habits of Mary... who may have been the source of some of his information on the prayer habits of Jesus.Jesus.

Symbol: The OxSymbol: The Ox

1. Traditionally the ox was part of the Jewish 1. Traditionally the ox was part of the Jewish livestock (Lk 13:15; 14:5). It was used to pull livestock (Lk 13:15; 14:5). It was used to pull the cart containing any harvested produce, or the cart containing any harvested produce, or personal belongings on long journeys. Also it personal belongings on long journeys. Also it was used to pull the plow, with which they was used to pull the plow, with which they prepared the soil to be planted. prepared the soil to be planted.

2. A gentle animal strong enough to do the job, 2. A gentle animal strong enough to do the job, and noble and friendly enough to his master, and noble and friendly enough to his master, that made it indispensable in the family life of that made it indispensable in the family life of the Israelites.the Israelites.

3. Luke is always symbolized to the ox for his 3. Luke is always symbolized to the ox for his strength and sympathy to all, especially the strength and sympathy to all, especially the needy. Many heard his powerful voice, and needy. Many heard his powerful voice, and followed the trail marked by his footprint. His followed the trail marked by his footprint. His Gospel (tool) has assured a fertile soil for the Gospel (tool) has assured a fertile soil for the seed (God’s Word) to grow. But also, the ox is a seed (God’s Word) to grow. But also, the ox is a sacrificial animal used in the Temple to atone sacrificial animal used in the Temple to atone for sins on Yom Kippur (Expiation Day). Jesus is for sins on Yom Kippur (Expiation Day). Jesus is the fattened calf slaughtered to celebrate the the fattened calf slaughtered to celebrate the return of the Prodigal Son (Lk 15:23).return of the Prodigal Son (Lk 15:23).

Structure of Luke-ActsStructure of Luke-Acts

A. From Galilee (Nazareth) Lk 1:11-9:50

B. To Jerusalem via Samaria and Judea Lk 9:51-19:40

C. In Jerusalem Lk 19:41 - 24:49

D. Ascension Lk 24:50 – Acts 1:4-11

C.I n Jerusalem Acts 1:12- 8:1

B. To Judea and Samaria Acts 8:1 – 11:18

A. To all the ends of the Earth Acts 11:19 – 28:31

ChristologyChristology

1. Luke dedicates a lot of time to the concept of preaching the 1. Luke dedicates a lot of time to the concept of preaching the Good News of the coming of God’s Kingdom (Is 61:1-2; Lk Good News of the coming of God’s Kingdom (Is 61:1-2; Lk 4:16ff), especially to the needy and the poor. 4:16ff), especially to the needy and the poor.

2. Jesus, the bearer of the Good News is called by Luke2. Jesus, the bearer of the Good News is called by Luke: (: (o` o` Ku,riojKu,rioj) ) TheThe Lord (Lk 1:32.33.35.43.47.69; 3;22; 4:3-9:41; Acts Lord (Lk 1:32.33.35.43.47.69; 3;22; 4:3-9:41; Acts 3:15). The message is God’s Salvation to all mankind 3:15). The message is God’s Salvation to all mankind (1:47.69.71.77.78; 2:30.32).(1:47.69.71.77.78; 2:30.32).

3. Nothing can stop his journey; He takes on his mission by 3. Nothing can stop his journey; He takes on his mission by “exiting” from one place to another until he ascends to “exiting” from one place to another until he ascends to Heaven (Lk 9:31). In the same way, his work continues to be Heaven (Lk 9:31). In the same way, his work continues to be present in the Church (Lk 24:47; Acts 8:4) and nothing can present in the Church (Lk 24:47; Acts 8:4) and nothing can stop it, for the Spirit is with us (Acts 2:1ff).stop it, for the Spirit is with us (Acts 2:1ff).

4. The Spirit holds both of Luke’s works together, he is present 4. The Spirit holds both of Luke’s works together, he is present in every event taking place in the gospel (Lk 1:15.35.41.67; in every event taking place in the gospel (Lk 1:15.35.41.67; 2:25-27; 3:22; 4:1.14.48; 10:21; 11:13; 12:10.12; and 70 2:25-27; 3:22; 4:1.14.48; 10:21; 11:13; 12:10.12; and 70 times in Acts.times in Acts.

EcclesiologyEcclesiology

11. Luke’s Church is composed of different strata: a) there are . Luke’s Church is composed of different strata: a) there are some who are rich like Joseph of Arimathea 23:50; some who are rich like Joseph of Arimathea 23:50; Zaccheus 19:2.8; Joan 8:3; b) there are poor like the Zaccheus 19:2.8; Joan 8:3; b) there are poor like the shepherds 2:15ff; Lazarus 16:20; the widow 21:3.shepherds 2:15ff; Lazarus 16:20; the widow 21:3.

2. The Church has a defined structured based on the authority 2. The Church has a defined structured based on the authority of the Twelve, with Peter as the head (Acts 2:14ff).of the Twelve, with Peter as the head (Acts 2:14ff).

3. Mary plays an important role in Luke’s conception of the 3. Mary plays an important role in Luke’s conception of the Church. She was present and made possible the Birth of Church. She was present and made possible the Birth of Jesus and the birth of the Church (Lk 1:26-39 and Acts Jesus and the birth of the Church (Lk 1:26-39 and Acts 2:1ff). She is a model of faith, hope and love to all who 2:1ff). She is a model of faith, hope and love to all who wish to follow Jesus and be part of his family Lk 8:19. She wish to follow Jesus and be part of his family Lk 8:19. She is the (is the (kecaritwme,nhkecaritwme,nh) full of Grace, literally the ) full of Grace, literally the “Engraced One” who was transformed in the past by the “Engraced One” who was transformed in the past by the grace of God to bring forth God’s salvation to all mankind grace of God to bring forth God’s salvation to all mankind 1:28. She is the ever virgin, the Queen, mother of the 1:28. She is the ever virgin, the Queen, mother of the King and Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God 1:26-38.King and Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God 1:26-38.

Preferred Scene: The TemplePreferred Scene: The Temple

1. Luke seems to prefer the Temple in his Gospel; 1. Luke seems to prefer the Temple in his Gospel; he is more attracted to liturgical settings than he is more attracted to liturgical settings than Mark and Matthew.Mark and Matthew.

2. The Gospel begins in the Temple 1:8, and 2. The Gospel begins in the Temple 1:8, and finishes in the Temple 24:53. Acts begins in the finishes in the Temple 24:53. Acts begins in the Cenacle 1:13 and finished in Paul’s dwelling in Cenacle 1:13 and finished in Paul’s dwelling in Rome 28:30.Rome 28:30.

3. Jesus is in constant prayer making any spot the 3. Jesus is in constant prayer making any spot the Temple of God. In Acts the Cenacle becomes Temple of God. In Acts the Cenacle becomes the Temple in which the Holy Spirit is poured the Temple in which the Holy Spirit is poured out 2:1ff, and from there on in any place, but out 2:1ff, and from there on in any place, but especially, houses in which the apostles prayed, especially, houses in which the apostles prayed, the Spirit manifested himself Acts 10.the Spirit manifested himself Acts 10.

Luke in Liturgy

1. Luke is used in the Weekday Reading Cycle between the 22nd. Week and the 34th; Week in Ordinary Time.

2. In the Sunday Reading Cycle Luke corresponds to the C Cycle and it is repeated every three liturgical years.