A woman caught in the act of adultery is brought to Jesus to be judged. Jesus could get out of trouble in a very simple way: by inviting the accusers to address the legitimate judges. 

The court of the Sanhedrin is not more than a 100 metres away. But this would mean abandoning the woman that the defenders of public morality now consider a trophy, a prey.

Here is the most beautiful of all the parables of the gospels. Jesus’ introduction explains the reason he narrated the parable. 

He is not appealing to sinners, but to the righteous: “Tax collectors and sinners were seeking the company of Jesus. But the Pharisees and scribes frowned on this, muttering, ‘This man welcomes sinners and eats with them’” (vv.1-3). 

Call to radical conversion

Today’s gospel reading speaks of an episode of Pilate’s cruelty. Some pilgrims came from Galilee to offer sacrifice in the temple. 

Call to radical conversion

Today’s gospel reading speaks of an episode of Pilate’s cruelty. Some pilgrims came from Galilee to offer sacrifice in the temple. 

In today’s Mass we focus on some significantly particular aspects of the transfiguration that are found only in Luke’s version of the gospel. This evangelist alone specifies why Jesus goes up the mountain: he goes to pray (v.28).

Simon Peter acknowledges his sinfulness and inadequacies, yet the Lord entrusts the ministry of leadership to him! Peter said, “Leave me, Lord, for I am a sinful man” (v.8). 

It is the way the bible tells of the encounter with the Lord: Moses covers his face, because he is afraid (Exodus 3:6); Elijah covers his face with his mantle (1 Kings 19:13). 

The second part of today’s gospel (Luke 4:14-21) is the beginning of Jesus’ public life in his hometown, Nazareth. He visits the synagogue and takes this opportunity to launch his message (v.16). 

The first detail, though seemingly superfluous, is the opening of the book that was presented to him. 

In a village in Galilee a wedding feast is celebrated. There are the guests who gathered to spend a few happy days, but here’s a disappointment: there is no wine and there is not even water because—according to the story—the jars are empty. A situation of abandonment, of general sadness. This is the surface. What’s in depth? 

The gospel opens with a significant finding, the people were in expectant. It is easy to imagine what they are waiting for: the slaves expected freedom, the poor a new condition of life, the exploited labourer hoped for justice, the sick, healing, the humiliated and raped woman, recovery of dignity.

All aspired a new world; they hoped that among people, abuse, distortion and mistreatment would disappear, and rapport with peace be installed.

If we pay close attention to the references in the Old Testament, Mary’s visit to Elizabeth could surely nourish our faith. The encounter begins with: “She entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth” (v.40) and “the Baptist leapt for joy” (v.41). 

The Jews of that time like today’s, when they meet, greet each other with: Shalom-Peace. The prophet, Isaiah, called the Messiah the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:5).