Based on Luke 4:14-22
Today, let’s begin our reflection on the Gospel with the very last line presented to us:
And all spoke highly of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth. – Luke 4:22a
Messianic Fever
At this very moment Messianic expectation was at an all-time high, especially for those in the region of Galilee. By now, nearly everyone had heard of the miraculous events surrounding the birth of John the Baptist. Nearly everyone had also heard rumors of the great caravan of Kings that came from the East nearly 30 years ago searching for the new-born king of the Jews. These events were most certainly seared into the hearts and minds of the people by the atrocious acts of Herod in Bethlehem around the same time. If they weren’t waiting in joyful hope 30 years ago, they certainly were now.
They’ve heard about John, his preaching, and his disciples and have begun to wonder – is this the one? But wait, now they are hearing of another. One from their own hometown; the son of Joseph the carpenter and Mary. Could one of these two men be the Messiah?
When Jesus steps forth and reads from the scroll of Isaiah it is from a “chapter” they all know. They may have memorized it from their youth, even recited it daily!
The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me,
because the Lord has anointed me
to bring good tidings to the afflicted;
he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim liberty to the captives,
and the opening of the prison to those who are bound;
to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor… (Isaiah 61:1-2a)
The passage goes on proclaiming wonderful news! It speaks of rebuilding and repair, abundance, joy, blessings, and salvation from God that will be seen by the entire world!
So, it is no wonder that when Jesus sits to teach and says, “Today this scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing.“, the crowd was amazed.
Surely It Isn’t Him
With a 2000-year vantage point we instantly think, yes, it is fulfilled through Jesus! However, I don’t think the crowd understood it that way. Afterall, Jesus didn’t say “I’m the fulfillment of this passage“. He simply said, “it’s fulfilled, it’s happening, it’s now.” The crowd stirred with excitement. We can almost hear their thoughts: Who is it? Where is he? What does he look like? Who are his parents? Is it John bar Zachariah? He can’t be referring to himself, right? This carpenter and son of a carpenter? My wife changed his diaper, surely not? We’ve known him and his family for years, there’s nothing special about them.
Yes, the Gospel today tells us that they were amazed. However, that last sentence is only half of verse 22. The rest of the verse says, “They also asked, “isn’t this the son of Joseph?” Only seven verses later and these same “amazed” people, his fellow citizens, friends, and childhood playmates, will be trying to throw Him off of a cliff…
Today – Today
So, how does this passage apply today? 2000 years ago Jesus said, “Today, this passage is fulfilled in your hearing.” When we read those words are we thinking today – today or today – 2000 years ago. If we are thinking the latter, we are sadly mistaken. Today, liberty is proclaimed to the captives! Today, the blind receive sight! Today, the poor hear glad tidings! Today, the oppressed are released!
God is eternal and every day is today in His view. Are you a captive, enslaved in any type of sin – today is the day of liberty! Are you spiritually blind to God’s love – today is the day to receive your sight! Are you poor, spiritually, emotionally, economically – today glad tidings are brought to you that the Kingdom of God is for you as well! Are you oppressed by sin or others – today is the day of your release!
Your Response – Today
How do you respond to this news? Are you amazed, filled with excitement and expectation? Or does your “familiarity” with Jesus block you from opening your heart to Him. The Psalmist says, “If today you hear his voice, harden not your heart.” Jesus says, “Today, this passage is fulfilled in your hearing.” Today, as always, the choice is yours. Will you open your heart to healing, freedom, and truth or will you harden it once more? Will you be “amazed at the gracious words that come forth from His mouth“(v. 22) or be “filled with fury” (v. 28) and drive Him out of your life?
The question is a weighty one with eternal ramifications. I pray that you and I will choose today to be open to being amazed once more at His words. Lord, remove our blindness and help us all to see and hear your words with fresh eyes and ears. Give us a child-like amazement when contemplating your gifts to us in scripture, sacrament, and the Church.
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James M. Hahn, Author 