Proclaiming good news to the poor
by Colleen Fitzpatrick
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All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his lips (Luke 4:22a).
Read Luke 4:14–30
In my mind’s eye, I have a picture of Jesus in the temple, reading from a scroll with people all around him. It’s probably a composite of a few of the pictures in the Bible storybooks of my childhood.
The words in the first part of verse 22 kind of leapt out at me, particularly that people were amazed at the ‘gracious words’ that came from his lips. I’m currently reading a lot about grace. It’s something that I have always known about, but what I am reading is giving me cause to think more deeply. These days, the news is full of stories about grace-less behaviour. We have wars and rumours of wars; people are hurting and killing each other not only in situations of domestic and family violence but also in unprovoked attacks on people and property.
I wonder what would happen if the news was all about the good and selfless, grace-filled acts that are being performed daily but largely go unremarked. That’s probably not going to happen. But there’s nothing to stop you and me from noting when we experience grace, or even better, being mindful and acting graciously towards others.
Yesterday’s reflection took us to thinking about what it means to follow Jesus – doing justice, loving kindness and walking humbly with our God. Today, we have heard about Jesus reading and teaching. We learn more about Jesus’ role: ‘being anointed to proclaim good news to the poor, to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight to the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.’ Jesus follows this up with the self-fulfilling suggestion that prophets are not recognised in their own country, which leads to him being drummed out of town.
This doesn’t seem to have upset Jesus. Having said his piece, he walked through the crowd and went on his way to continue teaching.
Gracious Jesus, help me to learn from you how to be gracious to others. Help me to acknowledge and celebrate the grace that others show me. Amen.
Colleen has one husband, two daughters, three granddaughters and a wide range of extended family and friends. She lives in Adelaide and loves the way the various parts of her life intersect. Colleen is involved in numerous committees within the church and community. She loves to read. Colleen coordinates her congregation’s prayer group and is delighted to respond to requests for prayer from friends and family.
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