RSV ~ Luke 12 Notes

Lk 12:1 | ISB Notes

hypocrisy: The besetting vice of the Pharisees. As leaven permeates dough, their teaching and example influence the crowds in a disastrous way, especially when they fail to practice what they preach (Mt 23:1-8). Their sins will be brought to “light” (12:3) at the Last Judgment (CCC 678).

Lk 12:4-5 | ISB Notes

do not fear: Since physical death is only a moderate threat compared to spiritual death, Jesus calls us to have courage in the face of persecution and to be more concerned by temptations to sin.

hell: Literally, “Gehenna”. See note on Mt 10:28 and word study: Hell at Mk 9:43.

Lk 12:7 | ISB Notes

the hairs of your head: Nothing is hidden to God (Ps 139:1-6), and no suffering goes unnoticed by him (21:18; Acts 27:34). Christian martyrs can therefore look beyond the afflictions of this life to God’s vindication and eternal reward (Rev 20:4).

Lk 12:13 | ISB Notes

the inheritance: Jesus is asked to arbitrate a fraternal dispute over an inheritance. Seeing that family wealth is causing family divisions, he responds with a parable on the danger of riches (12:16-21).

Lk 12:19 | ISB Notes

eat, drink, be merry: i.e., indulge in earthly pleasures and comforts (Tob 7:9; Eccles 8:15; Is 22:13). The foolish man hoards his resources, makes them the basis for his security, and then adds laziness to his greed. Death will expose his folly by stripping him of all that he owns (6:24; 16:13; 18:25).

Lk 12:20 | ISB Notes

Fool!: A harsh rebuke for someone unconcerned with God or his Law (Ps 14:1; Prov 1:7).

Lk 12:22-31 | ISB Notes

God’s care for the ravens and the lilies mirrors his greater concern for man. His unfailing providence supplies for our needs when we organize our lives around his will and prioritize the pursuit of his kingdom. See note on Mt 6:28-30.

Lk 12:33 | ISB Notes

give alms: Generosity is an expression of spiritual poverty (Mt 5:3) and helps us to sever our attachments to worldly wealth (14:33; 16:9; 18:22).

Lk 12:38 | ISB Notes

second watch … third: Between 10 P.M. and sunrise. The Romans divided the night into four watches (Mk 13:35), while the Jews divided it into three (Judg 7:19). This parable seems to follow the Jewish calculation, where servants stand ready for their master throughout the night (CCC 2849).

Lk 12:41-48 | ISB Notes

A parable about leadership and responsibility. The apostles are compared to domestic servants who are charged with various duties in the household of God’s kingdom (12:32;

Lk 12:49 | ISB Notes

fire: A symbol of (1) God’s presence and love (Deut 4:24; Acts 2:3), (2) God’s judgment on sinners (Lev 10:2; Mt 22:7), and (3) divine purification (3:16; 1 Pet 1:7) (CCC 696).

Lk 12:50 | ISB Notes

a baptism: A figure of Jesus’ Passion, when he will be immersed in suffering and death and will rise again to a new life (Mk 10:38; Rom 6:4; CCC 536, 1225).

Lk 12:53 | ISB Notes

they will be divided: Loyalty to Jesus is even more important than family unity (14:26), and peace is possible only if we embrace him in faith (Jn 14:27). .