Scripture Readings - Luke

Gospel of Luke

Although the Gospel itself does not identify its author, ancient Christian tradition attributes it to the Apostle Luke, a physician who accompanied the Apostle Paul on some of his missionary journeys.

Luke is the longest of the four canonical Gospels. It gives a detailed account of the life and ministry of Jesus, with particular attention to His birth, ministry, death, resurrection, and ascension. Luke also gives greater attention to the role and experiences of women than the other Gospels.

Liturgical Reading of Luke:
The Gospel of St. Luke is read liturgically for nineteen weeks, beginning on the Monday after the Elevation of the Holy Cross. From the thirteenth week of Luke’s readings onward, the Gospel is read only on Saturdays and Sundays, while the Gospel of St. Mark is read on the remaining weekdays.

Sunday Readings

The Sunday Gospel readings are selected sequentially, with the exception of the 22nd week after Pentecost, and continue until the beginning of Great Lent. This sequence is interrupted by special Gospel readings appointed for the two Sundays before the Nativity of Christ, the Sunday after the Nativity, and the Sundays before and after Theophany.

Saturday Readings

The Saturday Gospel readings also follow a sequential pattern until the beginning of Great Lent. An exception is Cheesefare Saturday, when the reading is taken from the Gospel according to Matthew. The Saturday readings are also interrupted by special Gospel readings appointed for the Saturdays before and after the Nativity and Theophany.

Weekday Readings

The weekday Gospel readings consist primarily of passages not included in the Saturday and Sunday selections. They are read sequentially over a period of twelve weeks and continue according to the Church’s liturgical calendar.