January 26, 2025

Luke 1:1-4; 4:14-21

In today’s reading, Jesus stands up to read in the synagogue on the sabbath day.  He is handed a scroll of the prophet Isaiah. He read, “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. 

These words clearly described Jesus’ mission, and when all eyes were looking intently at him, he said “Today this Scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing.”  Thus Jesus knew his mission, and he was aware of what God was calling him to be.

Now today many are asking what we can do in the face of oppression, when earthly and worldly ways of bringing fairness and justice seem to be failing.  We mortals should not put too much faith in governance anyway, at any time, as it is subject to human failings, self-promotion, and self-dealing.  Of course, a just social system conducted by people of sincere morality is better, and it can be found here and there at all times, but that is not always the case.  When we ask, “What can we do in the face of injustice?” this Scripture passage tells us:  care for the poor, advocate for prisoners, provide medical care, and work to free the oppressed from the forces of oppression, if necessary one by one and case by case.

That is all for now. Amen.