The Gospel of John

The contents of the Gospel of John is also divided into five parts:

I. The Advent and Incarnation of the Word, 1: 1-13. John takes his point of departure in the pre-existence and divine origin of Christ, and points out that He was heralded by John the Baptist, was the light of the world and gave believers the power to become the children of God.

II. The Incarnate Word the only Life of the World, 1: 14-6: 71. The evangelist records the testimony to the grace and truth of the incarnate Word given by John the Baptist and by Christ himself in word and deed, 1: 14-2 :11; and the self-revelation of Christ in the cleansing of the temple, 2:12-32; in the conversation with Nicodemus, 3:1-21; followed by the public testimony of John 3: 22-36; in the conversation with the Samaritan woman, 4:1- 42; and in the healing of the nobleman’s son, 4: 43-54. More particularly he shows, how Christ reveals himself as the author and sustainer of life in the healing of the impotent man............

The Gospel of Luke

Like the contents of the previous Gospels we may also divide those of Luke’s into five parts:

I. The Advent of the Divine Man, 1 :-4:13. After stating his aim the evangelist describes the announcement from heaven of the forerunner, John the Baptist, and of Christ himself, and their birth with the attendant circumstances, 1:1-2: 20. Then he shows that Christ was made subject to the law in circumcision, in the presentation in the temple, and in his journey to Jerusalem, 2: 21-52. He traces the descent of the Son of Man to Adam, and points out that He was prepared for his work by baptism and temptation, 3: 1 4: 13.

II. The Work of the Divine Man for the Jewish World, 4: 14- 9: 50. In this part we first see Christ preaching in the synagogues of Nazareth, Capernaum and all Galilee; performing many miracles in Capernaum and by the sea of Galilee, such as the curing of Peter’s motherin- law, the wonderful draught of fishes, the cleansing of the leper, and the healing of the palsied man; calling Levi to follow him; and instructing his enemies regarding his authority,..........

The Gospel of Mark

We may divide the contents of Mark’s Gospel, that treats of Christ as the mighty Worker, into five parts:

I. The Advent of the mighty Worker, 1:1-2:12. Jesus is heralded as the mighty One by John the Baptist, and proclaimed as the Son of God by the Father, 1:1-13. After calling some of his disciples, He taught the Galilean multitudes as one having authority, worked mighty miracles among them, as the casting out of demons, the healing of Peters mother-in-law, the cleansing of a leper, etc., and showed His authority to forgive sins, 1: 14-2:12.

II. The Conflict of the mighty Worker, 2: 12-8: 26. In connection with the feast of Levi, the fact that the apostles did not fast, and that they plucked ears of corn on the sabbath, Jesus gives the Pharisees instruction regarding the purpose of his coming,.........

The Gospel of Matthew

The Gospel of Matthew may be divided into five parts:

I. The Advent of the Messiah, 1: 1-4: 11. Matthew proves by the legal genealogy that Christ was the Son of David, the child of the promise; that, in harmony with the prophecies, He was born of a virgin at Bethlehem and his way was prepared by John the Baptist; and records his baptism and temptation.

II. The Public proclamation of Messiah’s Kingdom, 4: 12 16: 12. Here we find Jesus, after John is taken captive, choosing his first disciples and beginning his work in Galilee, 4: 12- 4: 25. Then follows a splendid example of Christ’s teaching in the Sermon on the Mount, in which the law of the New Kingdom is promulgated,.......

Choosing of Friends-Sirach 11:29-12:18

(Care in Choosing Friends)

Do not invite just anybody into your house, for many are clever deceivers.

Like a partridge in its cage acting as a decoy, so is the heart of the proud man; like a spy he watches out for your weaknesses.

He changes good things into evil, and criticizes even the best things.

Just as a spark sets coal on fire, the wicked man prepares his snares in order to draw blood.

Beware of the wicked man, for he is planning evil; he might dishonor you forever.

If you take a stranger into your house, he will cause you trouble; he will make you a stranger in your own household.......

Freedom of Choice-Sirach 15:11-20

Do not say, "It was God who made me sin," for he does not cause what he hates.

Do not say, "He led me astray," for he has nothing to do with a sinner.

The LORD hates all evil, and those who fear him hate it as well.

When he created man in the beginning, he left him free to make his own decisions.

If you wish, you can keep the commandments, and it is in your choice to remain faithful.....

Silence and Speech-Sirach 20:1-8

(Wise and Foolish Talk)

There are rebukes which are inopportune; there is the silence of a sensible man.

Better to rebuke than nurse a grudge.

He who recognizes his fault diminishes its consequences.

Like a eunuch desiring to violate a girl is he who uses force in pretending to be just.

One remains silent and is thought to be wise; the other makes himself hated because of his gossiping.......

Reflection and Foresight-Sirach 18:19-29

(The Need for Reflection and Self-Control)

Find out the facts before you speak; look after yourself before you become ill.

Examine yourself before judgment comes, and, on the day of God's visitation, you will be forgiven.

Humble yourself before you become ill, and show repentance for your sins.

Let nothing prevent you from fulfilling your vow on time; do not wait until death to put things in order.

Prepare yourself before praying, and do not be one of those who tempt the LORD.......

Wealth and Presumption - Sirach 5:1-8

(Precepts for Everyday Living)

Do not rely on your wealth; do not say, "I am self-sufficient."

Do not let yourself be carried away by your desires and power in pursuing the passions of your heart.

Do not say, "Who can stop me?" for the LORD will certainly punish you.

Do not say, "I have sinned, but nothing has happened!" for the LORD'S forbearance is long.

Do not be so sure of pardon that you heap sin upon sin.....

Against Loose Talk-Sirach 19:4-17

(The Correct Use of Speech)

He who is too quick to trust others reveals a shallow mind; whoever sins injures himself.

One who revels in pleasure will be condemned.

Hating gossip will save one from evil. Never repeat what you are told, and you will come to no harm.

Report nothing to friend or foe, and unless silence is sinful, reveal it to no one.

They will listen, but will not trust you, and you will end up being hated......