Please read the passage before the commentary.
Every movie about a famous person or event changes the story to highlight different aspects of the truth. The same is true of the Gospels. Matthew, for instance, portrays Jesus as the new Moses and has arranged his material into five sections, like a new Pentateuch. In his version of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus climbs a mountain and speaks in the third person, “Blessed are they.” Luke, however, has followers Jesus as speaking directly to the disciples, “blessed are you.” Which version is the correct one? Both are because Jesus has come for all people, for them and for us.
It is easier to sidestep messages in the third person, but it is harder to ignore words directed to ourselves. Are you physically poor, hungry, bullied, insulted? You will be satisfied and have joy on that day.
Luke pays special attention to sinners and outcasts. He notes Jesus’ words to the thief on the cross. Luke also gives more space to women in his gospel. The other evangelists do not ignore women. but Luke seems to give them more attention. As we read through Luke’s gospel account, let us take note how many times Jesus addresses us and pays attention to women.
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