Sunday, January 27, 2013 the third Sunday after the Epiphany, the Gospel lesson is Luke 4:14-21. Jesus begins his ministry in the synagogue in Nazareth with a shocking sermon. He announces himself as the fulfillment of the prophecy of Isaiah, as the "anointed one"--that is, the Messiah, the Christ! He tells his home-folk that the centuries of waiting are finally over. This ordinary Sabbath day in Nazareth turns out to be extra-ordinary indeed. As we move through the Epiphany season we learn more and more about who Jesus really is. And what a revelation we get Sunday as Jesus reveals to us his person, his purpose, his mission. For the announcement to Nazareth is also an announcement to us. Christ is our anointed one, bringing us the Good News that he has come to release us from our captivity in sin, to give sight to our spiritually blind eyes, to set us free to be anointed ones--little Christs--to those with whom we come in contact. So empowered by his Spirit and nourished by his Sacraments we go forth to be his hands and feet in the world. What an exciting mission he has given us! |