1 John 4:19–5:4/ Psalms 72:1-2, 14 /Luke 4:14-22
“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 to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.” With these words Jesus defined his mission in his hometown of Nazareth. This mission is regarded as the great mandate or the most magnificent mission of Jesus Christ. In this mission, we are being equipped to set at liberty those who are oppressed and those who are held captive. Beloved, there are many persons around us who are poor, oppressed and brokenhearted. We are obliged to help them. Matthew 25:40 says “truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Let us give expression to the mission of Christ in our relationship with our brothers and sisters. The first reading makes us to understand that he who loves God should love his brother as well. Therefore, we cannot claim to love God and disobey is commandment or refuse to express his mission to the world.
PRAYER
Grant us, Lord God, the vision of your kingdom. Grant us forgiveness and new life. Grant us the stirring of your Spirit so that we may proclaim your love and change the world. May your Spirit make us wise. May your Spirit guide us. May your Spirit strengthen us so that we may be strong in the faith, courageous in witness, and persistent in good deeds. God the Sender, send us. God the Sent, come with us. God the Strengthener of those who go, empower us to bring salvation to all peoples. Amen.
