Lectionary Year C
August 12, 2001
Luke 12:32-40

Step II: Disposition

Step II - Disposition

A. Genre

(JFC) This passage could be a "Call to Arms". It alerts to an urgency that is taking place and is about to take place more so. It refocuses onto and announces a necessity to become more alert than any having been so far. It describes in some most dynamic images some of the most subtle eventualities Jesus ever cited.
B. Personal Interaction

(JFC) These questions, so far: 1) Does God's gift of the Kingdom equal, exceed or get symbolized by the possessions in the first two verses of this pericope? 2) Do the imperatives in verse 33 come on too strongly/abruptly after such a gentle and calming message in the preceding verse? 3) Do the elements in the parable in verses 36-38 hold much significance for the exegesis of this text? And, 4) Does verse 37's image of the servant serving refer to the Suffering Servant the Old Testament expected and/or the Sacrificed Savior of the New Testament?

C. Organization

(JFC) This lection begins at a strange juncture. It's first verse (32) seems to end a paragraph in most translations, except the New Revised Standard Version. That very verse seems to proclaim the best news of the whole text. That is where God's Kingdom is mentioned. It emphasizes assurance and reassurance. It prepares to motivate the imperatives that follow it. Then, twice, in verses 37 and 38, it describes the happiness that is found in preparedness and willingness to responsible action. Those verses point out the Householder's becoming the servant about whom question #4) above is asked.

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