3rd Sunday of the Year Jesus’ Mission Statement Mission statements are very much a thing of our society. These should be short pithy sentences which sum up the ideals and aims of our life, either individually or as a group. While being idealistic they also need to be practical. In this Sunday’s Gospel, we see Jesus proclaiming to his home town his mission statement. He has been baptised, heard the Father’s voice proclaiming him the Beloved Son. He has spent time in the desert being tested and has begun his teaching through Galilee. Now he returns home and all are curious as to what this local boy is about. Jesus uses the prophet Isaiah to summarise his mission. Anointed by the Spirit, he is to bring good news to the poor, give liberty to captives, sight to the blind, set the oppressed free and proclaim the favour of the Lord. These are all needed by our world and by each of us. We all know poverty, especially in our hearts and lives. We are all captive, especially to our sins and liabilities. We are blind to so much - to our faults and failings and often to the goodness of others, and even ourselves. And no matter how privileged we are we feel oppressed at times. Jesus announces that he is bringing the favour of God. Next week, we will see the people of the town violently reject Jesus. It is often hard to accept a Saviour, for we have to not only admit our need and our failures, but we also cannot be the authors of our own salvation. We have to let go. Take some time this weekend and gently place your neediness before Jesus. As his favour comes upon you – and do expect the unusual or unexpected – may you be open to his salvation.
Sr Kym Harris OSB |