1ST JOHN 4: 19 – 5: 4

Beloved: We love God, because he first loved us. If any one says, “I love God” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from him, that he who loves God should love his brother also. Every one who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and every one who loves the parent loves the one begotten by him. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome. For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that overcomes the world, our faith.

The Word of the Lord

RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 72: 1 – 2, 14, 15cd, 17 (R.) 11

R/. All nations on earth shall fall prostrate before you, O Lord.

O God, give your judgement to the king,
to a king’s son your justice,
that he may judge your people in justice,
and your poor in right judgement. R/.

From oppression and violence he redeems their souls;
to him their blood is dear.
They shall pray for him without ceasing,
and bless him all the day. R/.

May his name endure forever,
his name continue like the sun.
Every tribe shall be blest in him,
all nations shall call him blessed. R/.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION.
Luke 4: 18.

Alleluia. Alleluia.
The Lord has sent me to preach good news to the poor, to proclaim release to the captives.
Alleluia.

GOSPEL
LUKE 4: 14 – 22a

At that time: Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee, and a report concerning him went out through all the surrounding country. And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified by all. And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up; and he went to the synagogue, as was his custom, on the sabbath day. And he stood up to read; and there was given to him the Book of the Prophet Isaiah. He opened the book and found the place where it was written, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.” And he closed the book, and gave it back to the attendant, and sat down; and the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. And he began to say to them, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” And all spoke well of him, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth.

The Gospel of the Lord.

REFLECTION: The Prophetic Role of Christ
January 6, 2022

Jesus said to them, “Today this Scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing.” And all spoke highly of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth. (Luke 4:21–22a)

Jesus had just arrived in Nazareth, where He had grown up, and entered the Temple area to read the Scripture. He read the passage from Isaiah: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord.” After reading this, He sat down and proclaimed that this prophecy from Isaiah was fulfilled.

The reaction from the people of His town is interesting. They “all spoke highly of Him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from His mouth.” At least, this is the initial reaction. But if we read on we see that Jesus challenges the people and, as a result, they were filled with fury and tried to kill Him then and there.

Often times, we have the same reactions to Jesus. At first, we may speak well of Him and graciously receive Him. For example, at Christmas we may sing carols and celebrate His birthday with joy and festivities. We may go to church and wish people a merry Christmas. We may set up a manger scene and decorate with Christian symbols of our faith. But how deep is all of this? Sometimes Christmas celebrations and traditions are only superficial and do not reveal any true depth of Christian conviction or faith. What happens when this precious Christ-Child speaks words of truth and conviction? What happens when the Gospel calls us to repentance and conversion? What is our reaction to Christ in these moments?

As we continue the final week of our Christmas season, reflect, today, upon the fact that the little Child we honor at Christmas has grown up and now speaks words of truth to us. Reflect upon whether or not you are willing to honor Him not only as an infant, but also as the Prophet of all Truth. Are you willing to listen to His whole message and receive Him with joy? Are you willing to allow His words of Truth to penetrate your heart and transform your life?

PRAYER:
Lord, I love You and desire that all You have spoken would penetrate my heart and draw me into all truth. Help me to accept You not only as a little child born in Bethlehem, but also as the great Prophet of Truth. May I never be offended by the words You speak, and may I always be open to Your prophetic role in my life. Jesus, I trust in You.