St Paul's knowledge

In the first reading today, St Paul tells the Corinthians that when he came to preach to them, the only knowledge that he claimed to have was about Jesus. In the Gospel, Luke makes it clear that he too is writing to teach his readers about Jesus. In 4:16-30 we hear the well known text where Jesus comes back to Nazareth and stood up to do the reading in the synagogue on the Sabbath. He selects the reading himself and finds the text from Isaiah which says, ''The spirit of the Lord has been given to me, for he has annointed me to bring the good news to the poor, to proclaim liberty to the captives and bring sight to the blind.''

 

He then makes it clear to his listeners that this is what his mission is to be as he says, ''This text is being fulfilled today even as you listen." At first the the people are amazed at his gracious words, but then they began to doubt, questioning his ability as he was one of them. ''Isn't he Joseph's son?'' Jesus goes on to show them that his ministry will be the continuation of the great prophets, Elijah, Elisha and Isaias. This was too much for the people who were enraged and tried to throw him over a cliff but he slipped away.

 

We know from the gospels that what Jesus proclaimed in Nazareth was exactly what he put into practice in his life. He tells us that, ''If you love me , you will do what I have said and my Father will love you. I will also love you and reveal myself to you.'' (John 14: 21). This week I will be on retreat reflecting on John's words and I pray that we may all have the chance to thank Jesus and the Father for all the love they continually pour out on us.

 

Don Hornsey