4th Sunday of Ordinary Time Year C - Gospel Reflection


Luke 4:21-30

This week's Gospel continues where we left off last week.

"Today this scripture passage has been fulfilled in your hearing."

Amazement! Astonishment! Awe! Disappointment! Defeat! Fury! 

SURPRISE! Their interpretation of scripture is not what God intended when inspiring the prophet Isaiah. Jesus is not the rich king they were expecting to  fulfill the proclamations Isaiah made. He's not the powerful ruler they hoped would come & overthrow the Roman Empire, leading them to peace & prosperity. Most of those in the synagogue were not happy. How arrogant & self-righteous they thought Jesus was! How dare He proclaim to be the Messiah! That's blasphemy!  

Jesus didn't go to Yale or Harvard. He didn't even go to Nazareth Community College. He was just a trade worker, a carpenter, a son of poor parents from right there in Nazareth. He has no true power or knowledge. How could He save the people?!

As the people of Nazareth attempted to drive Him away from town, backing Him toward a cliff in hopes of pushing Him off, He passed right through the crowd. This defeat of death was a foreshadowing His future ministry. Many attempts & traps will be set for Him over the next few years as He travels around, teaching & fulfilling the prophecies about Him. Even His death by crucifixion, the most painful, horrific execution, won't be able to hold Him. He proved, through His Resurrection, that He truly was the Messiah - Priest, Prophet, & King - fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies.

Jesus never fought back or shirked from His responsibilities. He knew what needed to be done to save His people & free their path to Heaven. We, too, are called to be priest, prophet, & king to those we encounter in our daily lives. Our path to Heaven has been paved by Jesus. We must follow Him, leading by example to encourage our family & friends to do likewise.

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