3rd Sunday Ordinary Time January 26, 2025

Readings: Nehemiah 8:2-6, 8-10; First Corinthians 12:12-30; Luke: 1:1-4, 4:14-21

Today, Jesus presents his mission. This is, the fulfillment of the prophecy of Isaiah 61: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me to bring good news to the poor, to proclaim liberty to captives, to proclaim the Lord’s year of favor…”  This prophecy was made when the Israelites lived in slavery and misery in exile.

So, by using these same words as the basis of his ministry and mission, Christ announced His reign of peace, justice, freedom and love to all those suffering from all kinds of oppressions and injustice. Like Nehemiah in our first reading, Christ proclaims the good news of the new era to all of us. It is important to note that this good news is not directed only to the materially poor, but to all: “the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of God” (Mt 5:3).

The good news liberates us from two types of slavery. The first is self-imposed slavery. This results from personal sins and mistakes in life. This makes us, spiritually blind and weak. It cripples our spiritual life, and hardens our hearts against God and all that is good. This is the worst form of slavery, because it affects us both spiritually and physically. Only Christ can liberate us from this slavery. We can achieve this liberation by accepting the good news, and by seeking reconciliation with Christ and ourselves.

The other type of slavery is that which is imposed on us by others or society. These include structural, economic, and social injustices that do not allow us to live a fulfilled life in this world, even when we make all the necessary efforts. Both of these are great sources of pains and burden to us. However, it is important to note that Christ strengthens to overcome all. So, with the psalmist today, let us exalt the Lord: “Your words are spirit, Lord; they give life.”

                                                                             Fr. Terry.