Gospel: Luke 16:1-13 Jesus tells the curious story of a dishonest manager who cheats his employer and then is commended by him for having acted so shrewdly. Jesus wonders why his own followers are less creative and diligent in their stewardship given that they are managers of a far more valuable household. 1Then Jesus said...
GOSPEL: Jesus tells two stories that suggest a curious connection between the lost being found and sinners repenting. God takes the initiative to find sinners, each of whom is so precious to God that their recovery brings joy in heaven Luke 15:1-10 1Now all the tax collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to...
Gospel: Luke 14:25-33 Jesus speaks frankly about the costs of discipleship. Those who follow him should know from the outset that completing the course of discipleship will finally mean renouncing all other allegiances. 25Now large crowds were traveling with [Jesus;] and he turned and said to them, 26“Whoever comes to me and does not hate father and mother,...
GOSPEL Jesus heals a woman on the sabbath, offering her a new beginning for her life. When challenged by a narrow reading of the sabbath command, Jesus responds by expanding “sabbath work” to include setting people free from bondage. 10Now [Jesus] was teaching in one of the synagogues on the sabbath. 11And just then there appeared a woman...
Gospel: Luke 12:49-56 Jesus delivers harsh words about the purifying and potentially divisive effects of obedience to God’s call. The way of the cross often leads followers to encounter hostility and rejection, even from those they love. [Jesus said:] 49“I came to bring fire to the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! 50I have...
Gospel: Luke 12:32-40 Jesus encourages disciples to invest their hearts and live fully into God’s reign. Instead of facing life with fear, those who know God’s generosity are always ready to receive from God and to give to others. [Jesus said:] 32“Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give...
Gospel: Luke 12:13-21 In God’s reign, the “rich will be sent away empty.” Jesus uses a parable to warn against identifying the worth of one’s life with the value of one’s possessions rather than one’s relationship with God 13Someone in the crowd said to [Jesus,] “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the family inheritance with me.” 14But he...
Gospel: Luke 11:1-13 In teaching his disciples this prayer, Jesus also reminds them to focus on God’s coming reign, God’s mercy, and the strengthening of the community. Jesus encourages his disciples to childlike trust and persistence in prayer. 1[Jesus] was praying in a certain place, and after he had finished, one of his disciples said to...
GOSPEL Luke 10:38-42 During his visit to the home of Mary and Martha, Jesus reminds Martha that her concern for her many tasks distracts from the one thing that precedes all else: abiding in the presence of God. 38Now as [Jesus and his disciples] went on their way, he entered a certain village, where a woman named...
GOSPEL Luke 10:25-37 Jesus is challenged to explain what is involved in obeying the greatest commandment. He tells a parable rich in surprises: those expected to show pity display hard hearts while the lowly give and receive unexpected and lavish mercy. 25Just then a lawyer stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he said, “what must...
