Chapters Three and Four, But Where are One and Two?

Matthew and Luke each include an infancy narrative in their Gospels. In these chapters, they set the stage and begin to sketch the themes that they will later develop in the Gospel.

We'll read chapters one and two - but at the end. By the time we get there, the deeper meaning of these chapters will be much more obvious to you - and more enriching to explore.

So, we'll reflect for next week on chapters three and four. (Get the downloads to print out, if you would like.)

How should you read the chapter?

• Read the chapter through, slowly. Don't skim.


• Note your impressions, your questions, what appeals to you, what perplexes you.


• Read the explanatory notes on the guide, and the commentary, if you have it available.


• Spend some time with the questions on the guide.


• Come with your reflections and questions to the session on Monday, August 16. Or post your comments and questions here. Questions will be answered as best as possible!

The commentary we are using is from the Collegeville series. This volume is by Sr. Barbara Reid, OP of Catholic Theological Union. You can buy the commentary at the rectory for $7.00, or directly from Amazon. See the sidebar to the right on this page for the link.