BIBLE STUDY: The Gospel of Luke

 

The Gospel of Luke

(EASTER VIGIL and SYMBOLS)

(Lesson 8 – May 7, 2025 - Lk 24:1–53)

 

Symbol	Theological Meaning	Biblical References	Patristic Reflection
Darkness	Represents the world in sin and death - the movement from death to life, despair to hope, and sin to redemption	Gen 1:2–3: “The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep... Jn 1:5; Lk 23:44–46	St. Augustine:the initial darkness of the Vigil and  subsequent lighting of the Paschal Candle signifies the transformation from despair to hope,
Paschal Candle (Light)	Represents Christ as the Light of the World. The “pillar of fire”.	Jn 8:12: “I am the light of the world...” Jn 1:5; Gen 1:3: “Let there be light.”	Benedict XVI: symbolizes Christ's radiance and the transformative energy of truth and love. St. Augustine - bringing light to the world, dispelling the darkness of sin.​
Easter Fire	The light of Christ rising from the tomb. the fire of the Holy Spirit igniting faith.	Ex 3:2: God appears in a burning bush. - Lk 12:49: "I have come to bring fire on the earth." - Acts 2:3: Tongues of fire at Pentecost.	St. Justin Martyr: The blessing of the new fire during the Vigil symbolizes the faithful's longing for God and the gift of the Holy Spirit. ​   Pope Benedict XVI
Exsultet (Easter Proclamation)	Proclamation of the Resurrection and Christ’s victory over sin and death; recounts salvation history	- Rom 6:9: “Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again.” 1Cor 15:55	The Exsultet: Christ rose from the dead, transforming sin into redemption.The light of Christ dispelling darkness and the joy of the Church in this victory.
Liturgy of the Word	Salvation history from creation to resurrection demonstrates God's saving work. The vigil's readings recount the history of salvation, from creation to the resurrection, drawing a connection to the Jewish Passover vigil.	Gen 1: Creation Ex 14: Crossing the Red Sea Ezk 36: A new heart and spirit- Rom 6:3-11: Dying and rising with Christ through baptism	Seven from the Old Testament and two from the New Testament. These readings trace the narrative of salvation, from creation to the resurrection of Christ.
Water (Baptismal Liturgy)	Cleansing, rebirth, and the Holy Spirit; participation in Christ’s death and resurrection.	John 3:5: “Unless one is born of water and the Spirit...” Rom 6:4; Titus 3:5: Renewal of Baptismal Promises Mk 16:16: - 1 Peter 3:21	Pope Benedict XVI Baptism signifies both dying with Christ and rising to new life   St.Cyril of Jerusalem
White Garments	purity and new life in Christ; the baptized are clothed in Christ, signifying resurrection and sanctification.      -	Gal 3:27: “All of you who were baptized... have clothed yourselves with Christ.” - Rev 7:14	“Easter Vigil is the mother of all vigils”
Eucharist (Liturgy of the Eucharist)	Sharing in the Paschal Mystery, the Eucharist is the heavenly banquet's foretaste, representing the risen Christ's Body and Blood.	Lk 24:30-31: Emmaus: Jesus is recognized in the breaking of bread. 1 Cor 11:26:	St. Augustine: the sacrament of unity,  the community's participation in the Paschal Mystery, uniting them with the risen Lord.
Immersing the Paschal Candle into the baptismal font	Typically three times: Sanctification of the Waters: Fertilization of the Church: Descent of the Holy Spirit:	Gen 1:2: “The Spirit of God was hovering over the waters,” indicating the presence of God bringing order and life.​ Rom 6:4	New members are baptized, confirmed, and receive their first communion, symbolizingtheir full initiation into the Church

 

 

THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO LUKE

(Lesson 9 – June 4, 2025)

 

The Compassion of Jesus in the Gospel of Luke

 

“When the Lord saw her, his heart went out to her and he said, ‘Don’t cry’” – Lk 7:13

 

1. Compassion for the Marginalized (Lk 5: 12 - 16) Jesus heals a man with leprosy

 

Specimen: A leper, ostracized and alone, kneels in the dust. Jesus touches him — a gesture no one else would dare.

 

Reflection: Jesus’ touch breaks social barriers. Compassion means crossing boundaries to show love.

 

2. Compassion in Grief (Lk 7: 11 - 17) Raising the widow’s son at Nain

 

Specimen: A funeral procession pauses. Jesus stands before the grieving widow, his hand on the coffin, speaking life.

 

Reflection: Jesus sees hidden sorrow and acts from the depths of divine empathy. True compassion recognizes and responds to pain.

 

3. Compassion through Forgiveness (Lk 7: 36 - 50) A sinful woman anoints Jesus

 

Specimen: A woman weeps at Jesus’ feet, pouring perfume and tears. He lifts her face with words of forgiveness.

 

Reflection: Compassion welcomes sinners with mercy instead of judgment. Love leads to forgiveness.

 

4. Compassion in Teaching (Lk 10: 25 - 37) Parable of the Good Samaritan

 

Specimen: A Samaritan lifts a bleeding man onto his donkey, while religious figures walk by.

 

Reflection: Jesus teaches compassion as active mercy, helping even those we are taught to avoid.

 

5. Compassion for the Hungry (Lk 9: 10 -17) – Feeding the five thousand

 

Specimen: A vast crowd seated on green grass, children munching on bread and fish handed out by smiling disciples.

Reflection: Jesus meets physical needs with tenderness. Compassion provides care without expecting anything in return.

 

6. Compassion on the Cross (Lk 23: 39 - 43) Jesus and the repentant thief

 

Specimen: Amid agony, Jesus turns his bloodied face to the thief and promises paradise.

 

Reflection: Compassion isn’t halted by suffering — it continues even in death. Jesus’ heart remains open.

 

“TODAY” In LUKE and Theological, Spiritual Themes:

 

Lk 2:11 – “Today a Savior has been born to you...”

Lk 4:21 – “Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”

Lk 5:26 – “We have seen strange things today.”

Lk 19:5, 9 – “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today... Today     salvation has come to this house.”

 

Immediacy of Salvation: Salvation is not only a future eschatological event but a present reality through Jesus.

 

Fulfillment of Prophecy: Jesus’ ministry is the fulfillment of the promises made in the Hebrew Scriptures.

 

Present Encounter with God: People encounter God today in the person of Jesus, in acts of healing, mercy, and forgiveness.

 

Call to Response: Since salvation is happening today, people are invited to respond now—there is an urgency to faith and repentance.

 

 

 

 

“Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful” (Lk 6:36)

 

The Gospel of Luke paints Jesus as the compassionate Savior — tender toward the weak, merciful to the sinful, and attentive to the suffering. His compassion is not abstract. It is embodied, expressed, and enacted.