The Living Word

    Unrolling the Scroll   

Reading      Luke 1: 1-4; 4:14-21  

Scripture 

                      He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it is written:

                     The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me 

                     to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim

                     release for the captives and recovery of sight to the blind,

                 to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favour.

Reflection 

I can only imagine the perplexing stares and stammerings of the hometown villagers that Sabbath afternoon in Nazareth when Jesus walked out of his synagogue having just pronounced these most liberating words: "Today, this scripture has been fulfilled." His new ministry is now being launched. Jesus is proclaiming that these are not just sacred words being read from the book of Isaiah any longer - they are coming alive, they are prophetic words now moving into concrete attitudes and actions.

In these past few days - post the Haiti earthquake - we too have seen the scroll being unrolled and the scriptures being fulfilled. People all around the global community are not just reading this Gospel today but are living its Good News! We are fulfilling these sacred words and yes, as a people, we are doing it to and for one another. We are 'anointed' to bring good news to the poor and the destitute of Haiti. The sending of compassion and empathy has led to a hugely manifest outpouring of prayer, financial and medical aid, hundreds of relief workers and agencies mobilizing their resources and their skills to help such a poor little country... that days before... no one paid much attention to at all. They are the 'anawim' that God seems to be using to call all of us to attention! The time is NOW!

There is such a holy mystery at work in the inter-relationship between all of us. Today this scripture is being fulfilled as each one of us in the Body of Christ reaches out in some small personal way to assist with medical supplies, food, prayer, money, offers to help  ... so that together, because of all of us -  a NEW TRANSFORMED CITY for these Haitians will be built. Hopefully, over the years, this renewed city of Haiti  can be 'a sign of grace' revealing to the world community just what a new world order can accomplish out of the ashes of destruction. In this period of relief, followed by rebuilding, there will be an opportunity for world leaders and agencies to coordinate their efforts and work together to facilitate the vision that promotes the well being of all. And today, it starts with me within my heart. 

The timeless and universal message of Good News is coming to pass once again in our midst, outside the walls of the synagogue and yes, through the trials comes triumph and through and beyond the horrific suffering, a deeper truer transformation. It is our time to unroll the scroll - and make manifest with our lives this very liberating Good News.    

Carrying Grace   Today, I will bring good news.

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