The Banquet is Ready: Rich and Poor in the Parables of Luke

The author’s depiction of the social situation of Palestine and the Graeco-Roman world makes it easier for the reader to comprehend the two different socio-economic situations of Jesus and Luke.. Hence the changes that the gospel writer did to make his parabolic passages more relevant for his readers are, no doubt minutely observed. Without doubt Luke must have had a theological purpose for doing so. All the seven chapters of the book are woven with necessary details, the approach not being didactic and while the material is resourceful the concern of this book is definitely contextual. In recent years, much discussion has taken place on the issue of rich and poor in Luke. In this study, the author argues that Luke’s theology of rich and poor has been greatly influenced by his worldview and his socio-political location. Dr Taka offers a thought-provoking study of Luke’s theology of rich and poor as a response to the socio-economic needs of his community. An original study that combines biblical scholarship and fine exegetical flair with relevance to the Indian context. Beyond the too facile slogans on poor and poverty, this study on the Lucan Parables will lead the reader in a reflection in depth on the message of the Gospel. -Lucien Legrand, Professor Emeritus, St Peter’s Seminary, Bangalore.