Gospel: Luke 4:14-22
Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit,
and news of him spread throughout the whole region.
He taught in their synagogues and was praised by all.
He came to Nazareth, where he had grown up,
and went according to his custom
into the synagogue on the sabbath day.
He stood up to read and was handed a scroll of the prophet Isaiah.
He unrolled the scroll and found the passage where it was written:
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
because he has anointed me
to bring glad tidings to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives
and recovery of sight to the blind,
to let the oppressed go free,
and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord.
Rolling up the scroll, he handed it back to the attendant and sat down,
and the eyes of all in the synagogue looked intently at him.
He said to them,
“Today this Scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing.”
And all spoke highly of him
and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth.
The Gospel of the Lord.
The Mass intention is for Henry Coleman RIP
Reflection:
In the Mass, Jesus comes to us twice – in the Liturgy of the Word and in the Liturgy of the Eucharist. Through the proclamation of God’s Word, the Gospel verse “Today this Scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing” comes true. We all come to Mass (physically or online) to be nourished by God’s Word and His Body and Blood. We come as we are. Perhaps we are sad, worried, or downtrodden. Regardless, Jesus brings glad tidings to uplift our poor spirits. Maybe we are held captive and oppressed by our sins, pride, or prejudice. Jesus does not mind that. For as long as we are humble before Him, He will free us from what is holding us back. And in case we are blinded by power, fame, or wealth, the Lord welcomes and helps us recover our true sight. Jesus’ Birth has brought a new beginning in our lives. Let us renew our faith in Him so that all year through we would be “acceptable to the Lord”.
- How often do you reflect on the life of Jesus in the Bible?
- What is your favourite verse in the Bible and why?
- How can you make the Word of God alive in your life?
Lord Jesus, thank You for Your Word today. Send us Your Spirit so that we too may bring the Good News to the poor, the captives, the blind, and the oppressed. Amen.
