Fourth Week in Epiphany
Lord Jesus Christ,
You see how bent over we are
Under the weight of the world’s habits.
Unburden us
Clear the path within our soul
Lift up our heads to see you
Our hearts to love you
And welcome You.
Fourth Week in Epiphany
The lectionary reading this week takes us back into the synagogue in Nazareth and allows us to hear some of the conversation between the townspeople and Jesus.
The people gathered here knew Jesus as a boy, “Joseph’s son.” As Jesus speaks they wonder at what he says: such gracious words coming from within this local boy–now become man. The wonder soon turns to astonishment and indignation: “This fellow is nothing more than a son of Joseph ! He may be a fine preacher, but he is presuming to speak as a prophet!” The acrid smoke of contempt begins to fill the air.
Jesus is aware of the reaction and speaks what the townsfolk are thinking: since in their eyes he is just a common man like them, if he makes a claim to be the Messianic prophet, he may not make that boast unless he can do the same miracles here that he did in Capernaum. Jesus reads their thoughts, discerns the way in which contempt is taking control of the group reaction. In response he says, “Truly, I say to you, no prophet is acceptable in his own town.”
In the face of growing rejection by the persons he knew from childhood in this town of Nazareth, people who had known him and his family, children-now-adults whom once he had played with, Jesus leans into a deeper place of identity and being known: God’s direction for his life and ministry. The scripture he had read from Isaiah is not just words, but a core reality of who he is and what his life is about – even if people fail to recognize him and to validate God’s call and work through him.
From a human perspective being chosen and sent by God can one the one hand give clarity and direction. On the other hand this call and sending can create great frustration and misunderstanding. As we listen further to Jesus’ response we are offered a window into this human dilemma. Elijah and Elisha were also sent, but not necessarily to the people one would expect. “What about all the others?” is a question we may find ourselves screaming out at God. Not to mention that this son of the common carpenter, Joseph, has now placed himself on a level of two great prophets!
Here our questions and retaliation must be brought before God. Who is God for us? For you? For me? Who is the Owner of the farm of the world? And who calls and sends out laborers into the harvest? (Matthew 9:35-38) The temptations Jesus grappled with during those forty days in the wilderness included an offer of having power over all kingdoms of this world – including this angry mob from the town of Nazareth (who are bent on killing this local upstart). But Jesus had refused the offer – it came at too great a price: worshiping the devil. God alone is to be worshiped.
And so Jesus chooses God’s call and direction for his life. God sends him. God anoints him. His call and his acts of ministry are shaped and empowered by God.
As we walk among the crowd from Nazareth, and then notice how Jesus simply slips through their midst, we are invited to ponder some deeper questions:
Who gives us our deepest sense of identity,
who calls us,
who leads us,
who helps us discern what is happening around us—and offers us help in responding?
Be prayerfully within the gospel narrative this week, and with the questions of your own soul in the presence of God.
Dear Lord,
Help me to listen
Free me from being blind to who you are
Release me from captivity to the world’s ways
Help me to listen
Amen
- 1/25 Monday: Luke 4:1 16-24
- 1/26 Tuesday: Luke 4:25-30
- 1/27 Wednesday: Psalm 71:1-6
- 1/28 Thursday: Jeremiah 1:4-10
- 1/29 Friday: I Corinthians 13:1-13
- 1/30 Saturday: Luke 4:16-24
- 1/31 Sunday: Luke 4:25-30
Silent Reflection: Offer the prayer of your heart.