THE BIBLE – DISCOVERY YEAR 07 – WITH LUKE’S GOSPEL
 COMMENT FOR LENT 1 – 25-02-07
Deuteronomy 26: 1-11 
This passage covers the history of the Hebrew people from a nomadic tribal life to that of a settled agricultural people. The gratitude to God for all this is expressed in ritual acknowledgment.  Now they are settled and prospering, and claiming an identity given by the spiritual power that led them on their way and formed them as a people.
Psalm 91: 1-6, 9-16 
The rich imagery of this Psalm carries a conviction that one can expect protection from the power that controls all things as part of the covenant promise. The worshipper makes a choice in verse 9 which is crucial, and avoids the fears, dangers and punishments of life, but opens the way to safety within the covenant promise.
Romans 10: 8a -13 
Three times in this short reading Paul emphasizes that believing the word of faith is a heartfelt conviction.  This personal encounter with the love of God in Christ is what transformed Paul’s life.  This faith response is free to Jew and Greek, so the ancient texts which emphasise race and difference have been set aside.
Luke 4: 1-13 
Only Jesus could have given this story to his disciples.  He struggles with the themes he picked up from his people’s history, and in the wilderness wonders which one will be part of his ministry.  Alleviate hunger through economic justice, establish the model kingdom and fulfill the messiah longing, or be the miracle worker as people came to him with their shopping list of needs?  The turmoil ends, and he is exhausted, but he carries in his heart a deeper spiritual understanding of his life and work.
 

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