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Reflection for Sunday 01/24/10

READINGS
First Reading: Nehemiah 8:2-4a, 5-6, 8-10
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:12-30
Gospel: Luke 1:1-4, 14-21

REFLECTION:
The people of Nazareth were proud as they began to hear glowing reports of Jesus preaching in the synagogues throughout Galilee. They were looking forward to Jesus coming home and were eager to hear what Jesus would say when he came to their synagogue. Finally, Jesus arrived and on the Sabbath he stood up in the synagogue, unrolled the scroll and read aloud a passage from Isaiah that began, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor.“ Jesus then said, “Today the Scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing.” His listeners were surprised at Jesus’ claim to be the Messiah. They had seen him grow up in their little town. They had been proud when he helped his father in the carpentry shop. They had worried when he wasn’t in the caravan returning from Jerusalem. But now he says he is the Messiah! Such a claim must have seemed incredible to them. But Jesus was clear. He has been sent to bring liberty, healing, and freedom to all. He has come to fulfill the Scripture.

1. What do you believe that the anointing you received at baptism requires you to do?
2. What could you do this week for someone who has less than you?

PRAYER:
You came to redeem us, Lord Jesus. Grant me confidence as I try to follow in your footsteps. Raise up in me a spirit of generosity as I serve you and your people. Amen