4th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Luke 4:21-30
“Today this Scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing.”
The passage from Luke that we hear today is a continuation of last Sunday’s reading. The story takes place early in Jesus’ public ministry. He has just read from the scroll containing the words of the prophet Isaiah, a prophecy about the comfort and hope the Messiah would bring. The people are “amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth.” As the people begin to understand the ancient prophecies, they listen ever more intently.
Suddenly, there is a strange turn of events.
The crowd is angered by what they hear, intent at driving him from
town. But what was it they heard? What caused the people to be filled
with such fury?Drawing from the Hebrew Scriptures, Jesus cites two examples of God’s mercy extending to all people, not only the Jews. For the chosen people of Israel who believed they were especially privileged – and should be the sole beneficiaries of God’s protection – this was an outrage! Jesus clearly predicts that all people are welcome in the kingdom of God. Disappointed, the people walk away.
What do we choose to hear – or not to hear – as Jesus speaks to us in the Gospels? When do we turn and walk away?
“If you believe what you like in the Gospel, and reject what you don't like, it is not the Gospel you believe, but yourself.” St. Augustine of Hippo
The author, Ms. Barbara Gawle, leads Bible studies at her parish, Incarnation Church of Wethersfield, CT. She is a CBS graduate and the 2012 recipient of the Biblical School's highest award, The Lawrence Boadt Memorial Medal.
