The Spirit of the Lord Has Come to Set Us Free

01-23-2022Weekly ReflectionFr. Anthony Okolo, C.S.Sp

The first reading recalls the rebuilding of the people of Israelites after their return from exile. The events in today’s first reading are the efforts of the priest Ezra to unify those returning from exile and restore the consciousness of the covenant with God, which had always been the foundation of Israel’s life. At this time the rebuilding of the temple is delayed, the houses and properties of the returnees are still occupied by foreigners and the monarch is no longer in existence. The only thing still standing that can foster this unity is God’s law transmitted through Moses. It is this law or God’s commandments that Ezra the priest stands before the people to read publicly in the assembly of the people. For the first time after the exile, the Israelites gather as a people to celebrate the proclamation of the word of God and share in a festive meal. The proclamation of the word by Ezra the priest was to call the people to true repentance and good relationships with God and assure them of hope in God who has established this covenant with them.

The experience of Israel in this event is for us never to forget the word of God in our lives. Even when we think that we have lost everything in life due to life’s challenges or circumstances, we should hold on to the sense of divine, the sense of God and the word of God we have received. The word of God is life and when we hold on to it, it gives meaning to our lives. Paul in the second reading talks about the unity of spirit we share as Christians. Paul calls us to realize that we are all one body in Christ Jesus and the gift each has is meant for the building of the church.

In the Gospel, Luke, who was not satisfied with other peoples’ story about Jesus, decided to put down his own to let Theophilus know the certainty of the Message of Jesus Christ. One central message that comes to mind in Luke’s opening gospel is to discover Jesus personally so that you can share it with conviction. We also see the idea of investigation and research being at play in this passage. Those who search with an open mind and heart into the word of God will always be given wisdom and inspiration by God. The word of God is Spirit and they are life.

Jesus starts His public ministry when He comes into the Synagogue and was given the scroll and opening it He reads from the Prophet Isaiah; Isaiah 61 the Spirit of the Lord is with me and sent me to bring good news to the poor, liberation to captives and to preach the year of harvest to the people. The people are well versed with this passage from their scroll, but there is a new turn of understanding as Jesus tells them that the fulfillment of the prophecy is with Him. It is for this purpose that He came to deliver those in all forms of bondage and the worst bondage is the bondage of evil which blinds one not to experience the light of Christ. May that same Spirit lighten our heart and set us free to be with the Lord.

Happy Sunday to you all.

Fr. Tony Okolo