The warning about Herod (13:31-33) is found only in Luke’s Gospel. Not all the Pharisees were opposed to Jesus, but most of them seemed at least to find him discomforting and preferred not to have him around. More importantly, this little incident emphasizes that Jesus is fully in control of his own destiny, and is not in any way subject to worldly political or military power.

The lament over Jerusalem (13:34-35) foreshadows what Jesus would say again as he entered Jerusalem (Lk 19:41-44; see also Mt 23:37). At this point in the narrative, it seems to underscore Jesus’ resolve to go to Jerusalem to die. V 34 gives a striking image of maternal concern, which helps balance an overly masculine imagery of God in the Scriptures.

The Sabbath cure repeated a recurring theme in Jesus’ teaching about the priority of life over law. See also Mk 3:1-6; Mt 12:1-15; Lk 6:1-11; 13:1-17. Chapter 14 of Luke gives a "table talk" of Jesus. Frequently in ancient times as now, a formal dinner was the occasion for making speeches or engaging in significant conversation. When Luke put this speech of Jesus in gospel, he was very likely addressing a problem in the church of his day: the relationship of the rich to the poor in the gathering to celebrate the eucharist. Only if all members feel at home with one another can it truly be called the Lord’s Supper.

The advice to sit in the lower place in hopes of being invited up higher is simply a bit of "sage" wisdom, and in itself no new teaching (see Prov 25:6-7). It takes on Christian meaning only when seen not as a lesson in humility but as a plea for equality. All who share the Lord’s table are equal in his sight, and we should treat all as brothers and sisters equally, regardless of their wealth or position.

The first part of the book of Sirach is a collection of popular proverbs, little pearls of wisdom attributed to Jewish sages, but many of them common to the best wisdom of all cultures. These sayings on humility center on the relative insignificance of everyone, even the wise and the powerful, before the awesome wisdom and power of God.

This is a processional song celebrating God’s leading his people to victory over their enemies. However, the verses chosen here reflect God’s care shown through the gifts of nature. It echoes the theme of hospitality towards all found in the Gospel reading. Response: "God, in your goodness, you have made a home for the poor."

Read Hebrews 12:14-29 for a better picture of what is being said. The person who lives by faith need not fear the wrath of God. The new city of God is a sign of hope for those living under fear, whether of persecution and oppression, or of the inner forces and demons that torment us.

The fulfillment of faith is, of course, love. The letter concludes with a counsel to love — in practice not just in word — as the foundation of the Christian life.

1. Discuss the meaning and implications of "the Lord’s Supper" in the light of the Gospel passage.

2. Do you find the image of God as judge to be comforting or threatening. Why?