 |
The Question of John the Baptist and Jesus’ Response: Part I (7:18–23)
Why did John the Baptist send his disciples to Jesus to ascertain whether He was the one they should be waiting for, or if someone else was to come? Did John the Baptist doubt that Jesus was the Messiah?
What kind of Messiah was John expecting, and why did Jesus respond through miracles and healings? What is the meaning of Jesus’ statement, “Blessed is he who is not offended because of Me,” and what message does this passage hold for us today?
This Gospel passage is interpreted by Father Markos Mangasaryan.
|
 |
Humanity as a Prerequisite for the Love of God
Within the state, the central and pivotal role is reserved for the human being; the human is the primary value, while the state serves as an auxiliary instrument designed to ensure the conditions for a dignified life.
What does it mean for a human being to be created in the image of God and to strive toward His likeness? And how does the creation of humanity—brought to completion with the creation of woman—relate to the family, which serves as a microcosm of the state? Within the framework of Christian ethics, what is the prerequisite for loving God? What form of love brings happiness to a human being? Bishop Ruben Zargaryan provides an explanation.
|
 |
The Resurrection of the Widow’s Son (7:11-17)
In the city of Nain, Jesus restores to life a young man who was being carried on a bier for burial. Jesus feels compassion for the young man’s widowed mother and urges her not to weep.
Why did Christ feel compassion for the widow? What are the similarities and differences between the instances where Elijah and Elisha raised the dead, and the instance where Christ did so? Why was Christ called a "great prophet" following this miracle? How does Ambrose of Milan interpret this episode?
The Gospel passage is interpreted by Father Markos Mangasaryan.
|
 |
The Centurion’s Faith (7:1-10)
In Capernaum, at the earnest request of a centurion, Jesus heals his servant. He performs the healing because He perceives the centurion’s powerful faith—a faith the likes of which He had not encountered even within Israel.
Who was this centurion? Who are those who consider themselves unworthy? In what way was the centurion’s faith unique? In what ways do we resemble the Jews? This Gospel passage is interpreted by Father Markos Mangasaryan.
|
 |
Jesus in the Synagogue of Nazareth (4:14-30)Verses 14–30 of the fourth chapter of the Gospel of Luke recount how Christ preaches in the synagogue of Nazareth—initially receiving acclaim from those present, only to be subsequently rejected by that same community and led away to be cast down from a precipice. What does it mean to live within a "jubilee year"—valuing the land as an inheritance bestowed by God—and why does Christ depart from us when we reject the truth that exposes our own shortcomings? This Gospel passage is interpreted by Father Markos Mangasaryan. |
 |
A tree is known by its fruit; the parable of the two houses (6:43-49)
Why does the Lord say that a good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and vice versa, and what is meant by the words about gathering figs from thorns and grapes from brambles?
What must be done to eliminate errors and sins, and what do a person's deeds—their fruits—reveal? Speech flows from the abundance of the heart; how, then, should we keep our hearts pure? Is the Christian exempt from trials, and how can we overcome them by building our lives upon a solid foundation? This Gospel passage is expounded by Father Markos Mangasaryan.
|
 |
Do Not Judge (6:37-42)
Why does Christ speak about not judging, not condemning, forgiving, and giving? What parable does He tell regarding the blind, the speck, and the log?
Does refraining from judgment and condemnation preclude speaking about sin or offering reproof? How should we act when we see sin in another person? What does it mean to forgive and to deal honestly in our dealings with others? Why do we face such calamities and hardships today?
When do our words become impactful and bring about real change in another person? Who has the right to lead, and what should a true teacher be like? This Gospel passage is expounded by Fr. Markos Mangasaryan.
|
 |
Love for Enemies (6:27–36)
Why does Christ command us to love our enemies, do good to those who hate us, bless those who curse us, and pray for those who mistreat us?
What does it mean to "love one's enemy"? What did the Jews understand by the term "enemy"? What does God command in the Old Testament? To whom do these precepts primarily apply, and what is the essence of Christianity? Father Markos Mangasaryan expounds upon this Gospel passage.
|
 |
The Beatitudes according to Luke (6:17–26)
On a level place, Jesus began to speak to a group of disciples and the great multitude that had come from various places to listen and find healing. Jesus delivered the four Beatitudes and the four Woes to those gathered.
Why is it necessary to hear the word of God? Who are the poor, and to whom does the Kingdom of Heaven belong? Who is persecuted today, and who faces woe? Why is the true word of true prophets rejected, while the false word of false prophets is accepted? Father Markos Mangasaryan interprets this Gospel passage.
|
 |
The Selection of the Twelve Apostles (6:12-16)
After praying all night, how does Christ choose his 12 apostles? Who were they and what was their mission and destiny? In what order does the Evangelist list the names of the apostles and why? Who founded our Church? The Gospel passage is read by Father Markos Mangasaryan.
|
 |
The Sabbath Problem (6:1-11)
In verses 1-11 of the sixth chapter of the Gospel of Luke, the Pharisees accuse Christ of why his disciples, instead of keeping the Sabbath holy and not working, pluck ears of corn, rub them in their palms, and eat them. Christ not only answers their question, but also heals a man with a withered hand on the Sabbath.
What was forbidden and what was permitted on the Sabbath? Why did Christ give the example of David and who had the right to eat the Bread of Presence? What is classical Pharisaism and is not helping the needy a sin?
The Gospel passage is interpreted by Father Markos Mangasaryan.
|
 |
Levi's Call, a Dispute over Fasting (5:27-39) Father Markos Mangasaryan
The Gospel of Luke, chapter five, verses 27-39, describes how Jesus calls the tax collector Levi to follow Him, as well as giving examples of old and new garments, old and new wine, and wineskins.
Who were the tax collectors and why were they hated by Jewish society? What is the place of the Church and who can receive Holy Communion? When should one fast and why? How can one be baptized, become a Christian, but not change and remain the same “old” person? The Gospel passage is interpreted by Father Markos Mangasaryan.
|