1 John 4:19-5:4
Psalm 71(72):1-2,14-15,17
Luke 4:14-22
LET THY WILL BE DONE ON EARTH…
In today’s first reading, we hear that loving God requires loving one’s brother. May God’s salvation flow through us to others today, transforming, purifying, and making our sacrifices acceptable.
In today’s Gospel passage, Christ’s reading in his hometown synagogue about the Messiah and his mission, which he attributes to himself, aligns with the Old Testament prophecy of Isaiah. His mission depends solely on God. As Jesus says, ‘My food is to do the will of my Father,’ so why be anxious about fulfilling our divine mission? Your will is to do his will.
Many of us often feel the chaos of competing demands at the beginning of the year. When I pause to reflect, I ask myself, “Am I doing this right? Am I reaching everyone Christ showed me?” The fulfillment of our mission depends on God, and we must surrender fully to His will.
As citizens, where does Jesus’ Epiphany message and mission lead us this year? Will our policies promote inclusion? Will the suffering of the marginalized concern us enough to act? With baptism, we are called to hear and respond to those on the margins, especially the poor and oppressed.
May this year find us following Christ’s Light and Mission in everything we do and every situation we face. Amen.
Fr Joseph Osho