Jesus begins His Mission

Jan.24^th, 2016 Sunday Homily : Fr.Francis Chirackal CMI

Neh 8:2-4a, 5-6,8-10; 1Cor 12:12-30; Lk 1:1-4, 4:14-21

For Readings

http://www.usccb.org/nab/012416.shtml

Tourists were visiting the famous Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico. While they were below ground in the giant cave, the lights went out. Among those trapped in the darkness were two children: an eight-year-old boy and his five-year-old sister. The situation was scary, especially for children. Suddenly the little girl began to cry. Then her eight-year-old brother was heard saying to her, "Don't worry, Amy. There is a man up there who knows how to turn the lights on again." In today’s gospel we see the One who is sent from up there, to turn on the light here on earth, declaring His mission by reading the Scroll in the synagogue. He was the light and his was the liberating words, which shine to give courage, healing, freedom, deliverance and eternal life.

The first reading speaks of the re-dedication of the people to God by renewing the Sinai covenant after their return from Babylonian exile. When Ezra told them to do so, the people gladly did it, realizing that all their future hopes depended on God alone. St.Paul, in the second reading compares the Church to a human body, exhorting everyone to fulfill their God given responsibilities for the smooth running of the Church and the salvation of all. Jesus, in the gospel, presents his messianic mission as he was given the scroll to read in the synagogue. It was the moment of fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophesies, regarding the messianic era.

One afternoon in 1953, reporters and officials gathered at a Chicago railroad station to await the arrival of the 1952 Nobel Prize winner. He stepped off the train. As cameras flashed, city officials approached with hands outstretched and began telling him how honored they were to meet him. He thanked them politely and then, looking over their heads, asked if he could be excused for a moment. He walked through the crowd with quick strides until he reached the side of an elderly black woman who was struggling as she tried to carry two large suitcases. He picked up the bags in his big hands and, smiling, escorted the woman to a bus. As he helped her aboard, he wished her a safe journey. Then he turned to them and said, "Sorry to have kept you waiting." The man was Dr. Albert Schweitzer, the famous missionary-doctor, who had spent his life helping the poorest of the poor in Africa. A member of the reception committee said to one of the reporters: "That's the first time I ever saw a sermon walking."

In today’s gospel, we see Jesus read the scroll and told them that those words are fulfilled. That preaching didn’t stop there. His presence and words became the acts of God’s love, forgiveness and liberation. It manifested in healing, deliverance and the conversion of many. Everyone who approached him with sincere heart and faith, experienced his love and mercy in abundance. Even after two thousand years, millions of people still experience the same effect in Jesus’ name. His Name connects persons to persons, communities to communities, and nations to nations. There is no room in Jesus’ words for hatred and discrimination or exploitation, no place for revenge or violence, crime or sin. His teachings and life overflows with love and compassion, mercy and forgiveness, service and sacrifices, faith, prayer and peace. These are the factors, which make the universe move forward towards its eternal glory, the glory of its creator God.

At no time from its beginning, was the world fully free from evil’s attacks. Good and evil existed in this world side-by-side. A few days ago, somebody asked whether the world has become more corrupt with evils compared to the past. But our historical analysis says, ‘No”. If we look at the history, we will get encouraged and motivated, never in history has the evil forces, got a lasting or final victory at any level. In all the instances, the end result or victory, was for the good, the spirit of God, though in certain occasions allowed evil forces to succeed, causing certain harm, for the well being of the world and human peace, whether at an individual level, community level or global level. Because, none of the evil forces can defeat God’s power. This is the power and protection that God has given to us when He created us in His own image and likeness. Whenever necessary He sent His messengers to remind, strengthen and guide the human race and finally, He sent His own Son, to bring eternal deliverance and salvation to us. This is what was fulfilled in the synagogue, when Jesus read the Scroll. Today, our role is to accept and follow the message of Jesus.

Once we trust Jesus, no one need to be worried or de-spirited of seeing the evils around us. Today, we are the instruments of Jesus’ strength and power to defeat evils, with our good life, following His message of faith and love in charity. Jesus is always faithful in His promise. He has promised us that he will be with us till the end of the world. Let us also pray for mercy, forgiveness and the conversion of those who become the instruments of evil forces in this world, that they will find the healing, deliverance and peace in Christ. Let us become the rejoicing ones, fully filled with His Spirit and to help others, those who are weak and discouraged in their struggle to be in right path, to find hope and strength in Christ. God bless you.