"JESUS acted with the power of the Spirit; and on HIS return to Galilee, the news about HIM spread throughout all that territory. HE began teaching in the synagogues of the Jews and everyone praised HIM.
When JESUS came to Nazareth, where HE had been brought up, HE entered the synagogue on the Sabbath, as HE usually did. HE stood up to read, and they handed HIM the book of the prophet Isaiah.
JESUS then unrolled the scroll and found the place where it is written: 'The Spirit of the LORD is upon ME. HE has anointed ME, to bring good news to the poor; to proclaim liberty to captives; and new sight to the blind; to free the oppressed; and to announce the LORD's year of mercy.'
JESUS then rolled up the scroll, gave it to the attendant and sat down; and the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on HIM. The HE said to them, 'Today, these prophetic words come true, even as you listen.'" - Luke 4:14-21
(JESUS brings real liberation to everyone since HIS deeds urge each one of us to live in truth: "the Son makes you free... the truth will make you free..." [John 8:32]. The Jews, obviously, were looking first and foremost for political freedom, which is part of total human liberation. Why did JESUS not bring it? Was HE only interested in "souls"?
Actually, the Old Testament never promised "the salvation of souls" which is sometimes emphasized these days in various groups. Such believers think they are saving their souls and yet remain silent, or blind accomplices of the daily sins permeating all economic and social life.
In the same way a year of mercy from the LORD is beginning. Thus, the time of promises and prophecies is over. GOD begins to show HIMSELF to humankind as HE is: JESUS reveals the FATHER, and the FATHER reveals HIS Son through the signs and miracles that HE performs.)
No comments:
Post a Comment