Lectionary 431

Scripture: Lectionary 431, Aug.29/11 I Thessalonians 4:13-18. Psalm 96: 1.3.4-5.11-12.13. Luke 4:16-30:

Luke’s Gospel greets us today with one of the earliest scenes from Jesus’ active ministry in Galilee. He is near his hometown of Nazareth and is invited to read the scroll of Isaiah for the Sabbath worship service. He comments on it and applies it to his own call of teaching, preaching, and healing. All present are astounded at his eloquence and his practical application of the sacred text of the great prophet Isaiah. The message is similar to the greatest event in the history of the Israelites, the Exodus. Liberation, freedom from bonds of slavery, salvation and healing are promised to those who believe in him and his interpretation of the scroll. Yet, when he places the demand of conversion upon his listeners they are not open to this message. They scorn him and even threaten his life, but he escapes from their midst.

Jesus spoke of the prophets Elijah and Elisha who likewise were made sport of and threatened. History seems to repeat itself in the behavior of those challenged by prophets and by Jesus. His own people reject his call to conversion just as their ancestors rejected the prophetic challenge.

For us as believers the Gospels are Good News but we, too, must pay the price of openness to the call to reform our lives and to a complete turning toward Jesus the Savior and Revealer. The message of the Good News has to be interiorized within our hearts and carried out in our actions toward our neighbor. Our following of Jesus leads us to the Cross whose shadow falls upon each day of our lives. How do we accept this call of entering into the Paschal Mysteries of Jesus’ sufferings, death, and resurrection? Discipleship costs us our lives but in giving them over to Jesus we are transformed into a new creation, another Christ. Then the Good News can be lived and preached by us without fear and anxiety.

Eternal life is promised to us in following Jesus. Our belief in him should grow in intensity and zeal for the Gospel. We trust in him for he is our way, our truth, and our salvation. We are called to be Good News to the world and to all peoples. The Good News is a global announcement coming straight from the heart of Jesus and we are his living voice. Amen.