Psalm91.1-4, 13-16│Isaiah 61.1-3a│Acts 2.14, 22-36│Luke10.1-12,17-20
Psaumes 91.1-4,13-16 |Ésaïe 61:1-3|Actes 2.14, 22-36|Luc 10.1-12,17-20
Hope
This passage from Isaiah expresses some stark
contrasts. It speaks into the reality of our human lives and offers a promise
of deep hope. It's a promise for the poor, the broken-hearted, the prisoners,
those who are grieving and those who mourn. It's a promise of the presence of
the Lord's anointed bringing healing, proclaiming freedom, offering comfort and
release from darkness.
Jesus quotes part of this passage in the Synagogue at Nazareth at the beginning
of his ministry, proclaiming that in Him this Scripture is fulfilled.
This is also the message of hope that Peter proclaims in our passage from Acts
after the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. Peter in turn points to
Jesus in proclaiming the Good News of His life, death and resurrection.
In many ways during this season of Lent we find ourselves situated between
these two passages. Only a few months ago we celebrated the incarnation at
Christmas and we prepare to mark Christ's death in a few weeks, followed by his
glorious resurrection and the subsequent outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
This moment offers us an opportunity to reflect on Jesus' ministry on earth. An
opportunity to read the gospel accounts of how Jesus bound the broken-hearted,
proclaimed freedom for the captives, release from darkness for prisoners and
offered comfort to the grieving.
It's an opportunity to reflect on how the Lord continues this ministry of hope
among us today through his Holy Spirit given to us at Pentecost. An opportunity
to identify the parts of our lives in which we are the poor, the
broken-hearted, the captives, the prisoners, the mourners, and to hold close
the promise of hope that the Lord's anointed brings for us and our neighbours.
Grace
Almighty God,
who in your providence
chose your servant Patrick
to be the apostle of
the Irish people:
keep alive in us the
fire of the faith he kindled
and strengthen us in
our pilgrimage towards the light of everlasting life;
through Jesus Christ
your Son our Lord,
who is alive and reigns
with you,
in the unity of the
Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for
ever. Amen.
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