Gospel: January 26, 2025
January 26, 2025 (Sunday)
3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time
Psalter: Week 3 / (Green)
Ps 19:8, 9, 10, 15
Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life.
1st Reading: Nehemiah 8:2-4a, 5-6, 8-10
2nd Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:12-30 (or 12:12-14, 27)
Gospel: Luke 1:1-4; 4:14-21
Several people have set themselves to relate the events that have taken place among us, as they were told by the first witnesses, who later became ministers of the word. After I, myself, had carefully gone over the whole story from the beginning, it seemed right for me to give you, Theophilus, an orderly account, so that your Excellency may know the truth of all you have been taught.
Jesus acted with the power of the Spirit; and on his return to Galilee, the news about him spread throughout all that territory. He began teaching in the synagogues of the Jews and everyone praised him. When Jesus came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, he entered the synagogue on the Sabbath, as he usually did. He stood up to read, and they handed him the book of the prophet Isaiah.
Jesus then unrolled the scroll and found the place where it is written: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me. He has anointed me, to bring good news to the poor; to proclaim liberty to captives; and new sight to the blind; to free the oppressed; and to announce the Lord’s year of mercy.” Jesus then rolled up the scroll, gave it to the attendant and sat down; and the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. Then he said to them, “Today, these prophetic words come true, even as you listen.”
Lectio Divina
“These prophetic words come true…”
Read: The people listen to God’s word with respect and devotion. That Holy Word teaches us that we are united as the Church in one Body, with different tasks, all coordinated by Christ the Head, who was sent to bring Good News to the poor and liberty to captives.
Reflect: We are united as the Body of Christ, each with our own vocation, but called to work together in praise of God and in the service of our neighbor. As Christ is anointed by the Spirit to bring liberty, consolation and mercy, so are we anointed by that same Spirit, and share in his same mission.
Pray: “Today, these prophetic words come true, even as you listen.” Pray the words of Isaiah read by Jesus. Reflect on how this prophecy came to fulfillment in Christ and how you participate in Christ’s mission of mercy “today.” What is God calling you to do to bring that Good News to those who need to hear it?
Act: Look for ways in your family and community to be an instrument of consolation and mercy.
