Gospel Reading: Luke 1:1-4, 4:14-21
Since many have undertaken to set down an orderly account of the events that have been fulfilled among us, just as they were handed on to us by those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and servants of the word, I too decided, after investigating everything carefully from the very first, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the truth concerning the things about which you have been instructed. Then Jesus, filled with the power of the Spirit, returned to Galilee, and a report about him spread through all the surrounding country. He began to teach in their synagogues and was praised by everyone. When he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, he went to the synagogue on the sabbath day, as was his custom. He stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.” And he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. Then he began to say to them, “Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.”
GUIDELINES TO HELP US TO MEDITATE ON THE PASSAGE SO AS TO RECOGNIZE AND CELEBRATE GOD’S PRESENCE AND ACTIVITY IN OUR LIVES AND WORLD TODAY. (Prepared by volunteers from the Lectio Centre project)
1.‘Filled with the power of the Spirit’, Has there ever been a time in your life when, facing a difficult decision or change of job, school or house, when you realised that, no matter what happened you would still have a family and friends to help you. The strength you got then from their love is the power of the Spirit alive in our lives. Thank you Spirit for the many ways you gift us with new life, insight and strength. Let me stand in awe and praise your glory.
2.‘To let the oppressed go free’ Oppression, can be caused by many things; worry, bills, problems at work or home, arguments with friends, hasty actions causing regret and shame. Try to remember a time when you were worn down by worries or regrets. What helped you get the balance back into your life? Was it a friend giving you a new way of seeing things or a reassuring word of hope? These are blessed times when Jesus acts in our life to set us free from the daily grind. Without you Jesus we are helpless and lost in a dark place where no light shines – thank you for coming to my rescue, as ever my loyal friend.
3.Recall a time when you recognise, the words or events of a Gospel Reading reflected in your own life e.g. in some personal experience or in something you see happening in the world today. Pray that more people come to know Scripture as a way of deepening their relationship with Jesus. Give thanks for the growth of the Lectio Centre which celebrates the Word of God as “a light for my steps.