Lect. 432

Scripture: Lectionary 432. Aug. 30/11. I Thessalonians 5:1-6.9-11. Psalm 27: 1.4. 13-14. Luke 4:31-37:

Paul ends his first epistle with a return to the Good News, the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We have learned that this basically is his preaching of the sufferings, death, and resurrection of Jesus that brings about salvation and a readiness for the coming of the Lord in glory. Paul has repeatedly told us that we are to have great hope in this Good News and not to be anxious or fearful in the last moments of our life or when Jesus comes again at the Parousia or Second Coming In Paul’s words: “He (Jesus) died for all of us, whether awake or asleep, together might live with Him.” Here awake means now while we are alive on earth; asleep is a euphemism for our having died.

Psalm 27 is a powerful uplifting psalm about light and life. It serves for our prayerful meditation on what we have just heard from Paul as he is ending his epistle to the the Thessalonians. Good things have happened to us because of God’s over abundant love and generosity thereby our hope is strengthened and we are in tune with Paul’s revelatory word. “(We) Wait for the Lord with courage; we are stouthearted and wait for the Lord.”

Jesus continues to preach the Good News and to teach and heal as he moves from synagogue to synagogue in Galilee. His public ministry has begun and Luke gives us the followup after his inaugural address of yesterday. People are spellbound by his eloquence for he teaches with authority and power. He confirms his preaching and teaching by exorcizing a person who is possessed by a demon. The demon cries out, Jesus of Nazareth, you are the Holy One of God; Jesus silences the demon and expels him thus setting theperson free. More admiration and belief in who Jesus is follows in those who are open to his message.

Lord, we pray that we may realize your presence within and among us as we gather in this liturgical celebration. We lay aside our anxieties, preoccupations, and fears and bask in your love and your gentleness. You cast out all the demons that may be bothering us and we are at peace. Lord, continue to increase our faith as we put our trust in you and as we express our love for you this day. Amen.