“Like Elijah and Elisha,
Jesus is not sent only to the People of God.”
Last week, when Jesus spoke in the synagogue, his words pleased the crowd – as we hear at the beginning of today’s Gospel. How quickly the mood changes! This story shows very clearly that Jesus was not a “crowdpleaser” – he wasn’t interested in saying the right things to be popular or accepted. He was interested in the truth – which is the basic definition of a prophet – whatever the personal cost. So today, when Jesus points out that salvation is not just for the Chosen People, or even just the people of Nazareth, they reject the message and the messenger. Just like Jeremiah, when he was called to be a prophet (first reading), Jesus has to confront the land: they will fight with him, but not overcome him.
Today’s Scripture (Psalter: Week 4)
Jeremiah 1: 4 – 5. 17 – 19
I have appointed you as prophet to the nations.
Response: Psalm 70.
In you, O Lord, I take refuge;
let me never be put to shame.
In your justice, rescue me, free me:
pay heed to me and save me.
Be a rock where I can take refuge,
a mighty stronghold to save me;
for you are my rock, my stronghold.
Free me from the hand of the wicked.
It is you, O Lord, who are my hope,
my trust, O Lord, since my youth.
On you I have leaned from my birth,
from my mother’s womb you have been my help.
My lips will tell of your justice
and day by day of your help.
O God, you have taught me from my youth
and I proclaim your wonders still.
1 Corinthians 12: 31 – 13:13
There are three things that last: faith, hope and love; and the greatest of these is love.
Acclamation for the Gospel:
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
The Lord sent me to bring Good News to the poor,
and freedom to prisoners
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
Luke 4: 21 – 30
Like Elijah and Elisha, Jesus is not sent to only the People of God
Prayer of the Faithful: R/. Lord, pay heed and save us.
