I’m going to respond to the first three chapters of Luke here. That is actually one reading from Day 24, but I think it is okay. I think it was my friend Monica who first informed me of the notion that Luke was written by a woman. Now, whenever I read look, I read it in a woman’s voice. Not just because I respect Monica, but because it really makes sense. Luke begins with this,
Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled[a] among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word. Therefore, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.
So, be warned reader, this is going to be different from what those earlier chumps told you. Then, she launches into a discussion about a bunch of chic stuff, like kids jumping in wombs, and pregnant ladies getting together to talk about what to expect when you’re expecting a prophet who will save the people of Isreal. (One of my most linked to blog posts was my graphic comparison of the two nativities here. Also, the genealogies are irreconcilably different except for the bit from Abraham to David: Matthew v. Luke.)
The author of Luke has the angel talking to Mary rather than Joseph. In fact, she doesn’t really go into how Joseph felt to learn that his bride to be had miraculously conceived a child. We get all of that from Matthew’s author. Luke’s author also provides great details about other people reacting to Jesus’ birth. Not just the shepherds, but a prophet and prophetess. Also, check this out, the offering Mary and Joseph gave for Christ’s birth, fell under the poverty provisions. Cf. Luke 2:21-24 and Lev. 12:8.
Luke is my favorite gospel.