Luke 4:14-21
NRSV Translation
14-15 Then Jesus, in the power of the Spirit, returned to Galilee, and a report about him spread through all the surrounding region. He began to teach in their synagogues and was praised by everyone.
16-17 When he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, he went to the synagogue on the Sabbath day, as was his custom. He stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written:
18 “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 set free those who are oppressed, 19 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”
20-21 And he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. Then he began to say to them, “Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.”
REFLECTIONS:
Thoughts from Simon:
Political parties usually have a manifesto, a description of their vision for government. Businesses often have a mission statement, something that describes what they do in the world. Many organizations deploy tag lines, again, describing their purpose and function: Nike’s is “Just do it,” Apple - “Think different,” Subway - “Eat Fresh,” M&M’s - “Melts in your mouth, not in your hands.” We remember them, even if they’re not so true.
You could describe the passage quoted from the prophet Isaiah in this week’s scripture as God’s manifesto, God’s vision, God’s mission statement for God’s action in the world: “to heal the broken hearted... to deliver those held captive... to restore the gift of sight... to offer freedom to those who are experiencing oppression... to proclaim God’s Jubilee Year.”
Interestingly, this is also the passage that Jesus chose to announce the beginning of his public ministry, his life and work in the world. I think it’s fair to say, then, that these words describe the vision, hope and dream that motivated Jesus in everything he lived, said and did – ‘to heal, to deliver, to restore, to offer freedom, to proclaim.’
Notice that the vision Jesus points toward is not about correct thoughts, beliefs or rituals; it’s not about getting the theology or the thinking or the words right. The dream that inspired Jesus was a very practical one – helping people, offering people tangible hope, setting people free, sorting out the everyday barriers to health, joy, meaning and belonging. Does this sound like Church@thePark?
Our culture tells us that the way to find meaning, purpose and joy is to get things, money, status, power, information, sex-appeal, validation and experiences and stuff them into our souls. The wisdom of the universe – what many call God – shows us that the path to joy, meaning and belonging comes as a free gift when we have the courage to give, share, love, serve, and do the things that benefit others and the world.
PRACTICE:
Outward Mindset Application
Can you think of an action that would be of benefit to someone that no one will ever know about, and do it?
Non-Violent Communication Question of the Week
What are some of the practical applications of your beliefs and principles? Listening, helping, sharing, generosity, trying not to judge...
Pathways toward Centeredness
Is there a situation that has been troubling you or on your mind for a while? Can you work on beginning to get it resolved? What are the barriers? Can you make a plan?
Questions for Reflection
Is God’s vision for life and the world we see in this week’s scripture different from other visions you have been taught or learnt? If so, how?
“Liturgy” refers to the habits and practices humans use to form community around shared values and meaning. At Church at the Park, we desire to be a community of practice, becoming people who see the world through the eyes of the marginalized, making meaning through the lens of pain and suffering, and committing ourselves to non-violence in a wounded world. This weekly email is intended to provide pathways of practice for becoming the type of people who embody these values.
Many of our reflections on each week's text come from other sources. If you're interested in reading more of what inspires us, here our our two favorite reflections.
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