Today's gospel reading, Luke 4:16-30, recounts a poignant moment in the public ministry of Jesus. It isa moment that has also had its presence in the life of each man or women who has accepted the Christian faith. In the account of Luke the young man, Jesus, stood up in the temple on a Sabbath and put his message clearly on the line. To the surprise of all the worshippers, Jesus spoke about words from Isaiah. At first the hearers were "amazed at the gracious words." Gracious, that is, until he began to speak about the poor, the captives and the blind. Then these hearers became the enemy. They reacted with little appreciation . This was not the kind of messiah they expected or wanted. He was no strong victor king. Unfulfilled expectations led them to reject his teaching, his interpretation of Isaiah. And why? They were confronting the truth that all Christians have encountered: we are not able to tell God how to run his life ... and ours!
Yes, this message touches all who have come into the world and have opted to follow Jesus. How many have come to the moment when there is a difference of opinion with the Commandments or the teachings of a particular Church's guidance? Moral and ethical directives pinch. Acceppting others as they are, as God has made them, is a clothing that does not always fit. And these are just a couple of the challenges.
And where are you?
