The Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

He stood up to read and was handed a scroll of the prophet Isaiah. He unrolled the scroll and found the passage where it was written: The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord.  Rolling up the scroll, he handed it back to the attendant and sat down, and the eyes of all in the synagogue looked intently at him. He said to them, “Today this Scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing.”

Jesus isn’t just talking about himself when he proclaims today’s scripture. He is also describing his followers. As Christians, we are all summoned to live Christ-like lives. However, in order to fulfill this clarion call, we must take up the words of the gospel, proclaim them for God’s greater glory, and then live compassionately towards others. We cannot be fruitful followers of Christ, if we do not bring glad tidings to the poor through prayer, almsgiving, and service. If we do not liberate the blinded captives of sin through our good council and loving example, then how can we consider ourselves good and faithful servants? Our thoughts, words, and works should help free the physically and spiritual oppressed. The way we live our lives should constantly proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord. So let us fulfill this scripture passage with all our hearts, souls, minds, and strengths so that when Jesus comes at the end of time, he will be able to say, “You have fulfilled my gospel.”

Have we proclaimed glad tidings to the poor? Have we helped free others from physical and spiritual oppression through our speech and our deeds? Do our lives proclaim the good news and lead others to a closer relationship with God and all His children?

O Lord, help us to fulfill your will today and every day of our lives.

Amen.