Luke 1:1-38

*Note: Preceding each comment is the referenced verse(s) in [brackets].

[3] Much has been made about the "dedication" of this Gospel to "most excellent Theophilus." The Greek Theophilus means "lover of God." This title of course ties the Gospel of Luke to the Book of Acts (cf. Acts 1:1) as a two-volume work, but it also engages all of us, even today, who love God.

[4] With all of the hype surrounding the "other gospels" of Mary Magadlene and Judas these days, I think the author's words are rather timely: "so that you may know the truth concerning the things about which you have been instructed." In other words, St. Luke presumes previous instruction and engages us in the church's quest for truth.

[7] Elizabeth'’s barrenness recalls the many "“hopeful yet barren" women of the Old Testament. Look again at the story of Abraham and Sarah, of Rachel and Leah-and of Hannah, whose song becomes a model for Mary.

[13] This verse contains the first "“Do no be afraid!"” exclamation in Luke'’s gospel, a pattern which will be echoed throughout this gospel and the Scriptures (cf. v30 of Luke and the entire Book of Revelation).

[38] Mary's response is paradigmatic for all of us who strive to please God and do God's will: "Here I am, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word."” Mary shows us how to be the church.

Luke: Year C

In preparation for preaching and study on the Gospel According to St. Luke for year C of the Revised Common Lectionary, I hope to post occasional brief commentaries on portions of the Gospel.

I have also provided some links to online material on Luke on my teaching blog (title link above).

A few comments on some themes in the Gospel:

Holy Ghost Power: The Holy Spirit appears more active by name in this Gospel than in Matthew and Mark. [Of course, the Holy Spirit also has a prominent place in the Gospel of John.] It will be interesting to trace "the work of the Spirit" throughout the lectionary year, especially considering that Acts is "Luke: Volume II."

Salvation: I am intrigued by Jesus' words in Luke 19:9 to Zacchaeus: "Today salvation has come to this house." Much has been written about Luke's emphasis on the present-day presence of salvation in addition to its "end time" or "beyond death" significance. My suspicion is that Jesus is making a self-referential comment, something along the lines of: "Today, 'salvation-in-person' has come to this house."

Pony Express

So I was making my way through a stack of papers today and ran across a "Pony Express" Stewardship kit for sale. Disclaimer: I know very little about the scope and content of the Pony Express Stewardship program, simply that it was a "stewardship emphasis" program used in Lutheran churches in the last 20 years or so.

But it does make you wonder. Is "Pony Express" the best name for a congregational stewardship program? Do we really want to make our Christian giving like the post office's means of mail delivery almost 150 years ago?