When Jesus returns to this hometown at the beginning of his public ministry, he chose the reading from the prophet Isaiah that we just heard. It was obviously a reading that set the tone for his whole ministry. As such it should also be foundational in our own Christian lives.
Jesus felt that the presence of the Holy Spirit in his life had anointed him to bring or announce Good News. Jesus is the definitive Epiphany of God in our lives. His mission is to usher in a new time with a new message. As Christians we need to always keep in mind that we are bringers of joy and good news. At that time, judgement and condemnation were common ways of relating to God and others. It was difficult to maintain ritual purity with so many rules. The poor could not afford all the sacrifices required for a holy life. The whole system was not joyful nor good news and was especially difficult and burdensome for the poor.
Then Jesus mentions specific characteristics associated with the Good News: liberty for captives, sight for the blind, freedom for the oppressed, and a jubilee year. This is why we as Church invest time and energy in service to the poor. It is our way of sharing our joy with others and it is how we announce our joy.
Finally, we see Jesus’ complete confidence in the action of God in his life. The word of the prophet is no longer just a promise to be fulfilled at some point in the future. It is a reality in his life. He was truly living the jubilee year. This form of deep confidence in God produced amazement in the people around him – who were his longtime friends and neighbors.
Today’s Word calls us to live out these foundational characteristics of Christian life – working with joy to serve the poor, end oppression, and live in forgiveness. As a faith community and family, we are the signs of the fulfillment of God’s Word in this generation. Overall, we are challenged to be amazing in our confidence in the Lord.
“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.
Image: CANVA 29DEC25 AI generated.