THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD IS UPON ME.
TODAY THIS SCRIPTURE IS FULFILLED BEFORE YOU.
"Jesus came to Nazareth, where he had grown up, and went according to his custom into the synagogue on the sabbath day. 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.” And all spoke highly of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth." (Luke 4: 14 - 22).
Thursday after Epiphany, January 9th in the Season of Christmas.
In His sabbatical ministry in Nazareth, Jesus claimed the anointing of the the Holy Spirit. Isaiah prophesied that the Holy Spirit will anoint and endow the Messiah for His ministry.
Jesus did in the synagogue in His home town Nazareth what He had never done before. He stated clearly for everyone to hear that He is the Man. The Messiah chosen to fulfill the long held promises and desires of the people.
“Today this scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing.” (Luke 4: 21).
What does this bold proclamation remind us?
“Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you prepared in sight of all the peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel.” (Luke 2: 29 - 32).
Simeon the Prophet, a devout man filled with the Holy Spirit testified that "Today" God fulfilled His promise to Israel when he beheld the Child Jesus in the Temple.
For thirty years, Jesus spent His life in Nazareth most of it as a self-employed carpenter hidden from the world.
Does the Spirit of God in you ever tug your heart to proclaim liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind and to let the oppressed go free?
In the Baptism of the Christ (Matthew 3: 16 - 17), Jesus is anointed by the Holy Spirit for a Mission:
#1 Bring the Good News to the poor.
#2 Proclaim liberty to captives.
#3 Recovery of sight to the blind.
#4 Grant freedom to the oppressed, etc.
Our own Baptism and Mission are intertwined with the Baptism and Mission of Jesus. When we own our Baptism and accept our Mission, we blossom and become saints.
Consider these ministries. Do you feel called to any of them?
#1 Social Justice
#2 Prison ministry
#3 Catechesis
#4 Evangelization
#5. Food Pantry
#6. Hospital ministry
#7. Eucharistic ministry
Lord Jesus, lead us, guide us and use us.
The Church honors the Most Holy Name of Jesus in January.
“The Holy Name of Jesus is, first of all, an all-powerful prayer.
Our Lord, Himself, solemnly promises, that whatever we ask the Father in His Name, we shall receive.
God never fails to keep His Word.
Each time we say “Jesus,” it is an act of perfect love, for, we offer to God, the infinite love of Jesus.” (St Alphonsus Liguori - 1696-1787)
Click the link below for the Litany of the Most Holy Name of Jesus, Prayer Intentions, etc.
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