Gospel Summary
The first part of today's Gospel introduces Luke's Gospel and Acts. Luke recalled for his readers that stories had been handed down by eye-witnesses and written down by others. He intended, however, to improve on the order of these earlier accounts. The lectionary moves us to another beginning and that is the beginning of Jesus' ministry. He had traveled throughout Galilee teaching in the synagogue. This day, he was in his home town of Nazareth where he unrolled a scroll and proclaimed the words of Isaiah. The Spirit of the Lord will come upon one who will free captives, favor the poor, and give sight to the blind. After Jesus rolled up the scroll, he told his listeners that those words had been fulfilled in him.
Reflection for Families
Children are really all the things listed in what Jesus read from Isaiah. They are poor because they really depend on parents for their every material need. They are not free because they are too young and inexperienced to live on their own. While they're not completely blind, much of what they do see has been shaped by their parent's vision. When we think of all parents do for their children, it becomes clearer all that Jesus is for us.
Bringing the Gospel Into Your Family
Who are the oppressed people in your community, neighborhood, or parish? Is there another family carrying a heavy burden right now? Reach out to that family in hospitality. Perhaps you could invite them over for an evening of cards or board games, or send them a "thinking-of-you" card. Be sure to keep them in our family's daily prayers.
Discussion Starters
1. One thing I was really blind to once was . . . The person who helped me see was ...
2. One way I set captives free is by ...
3. One way I could try harder to bring Good News to others is by ...
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