The Gospel reading for this Sunday, Feb. 3, 2013, continues the story we heard last Sunday. Jesus startles the people of his town with a seeming rebuke that no prophet or servant of God can receive honor among his own. Our Discussion Questions will guide your Sunday Bible Study with family, friends and church groups.
From Amazement to Fury
Back in Nazareth, at the synagogue Sabbath service, our Lord declares that the Messianic prophecy of Isaiah has found fulfillment in him. This drew mixed reactions among his townsfolk. He then angers them when he complimented the gentiles who seemed to have shown more faith in God than the "chosen ones" of Israel. Jesus' praise for "outsiders" causes them offense because they were blind-sighted to God's mercy and plan of redemption for all nations. The people's initial response of amazement and approval turns into fury and a desire to kill him.
A Hymn of Love
In Paul’s beautiful First Letter to the Corinthians he lists the qualities necessary for those who enter the Kingdom of God:
Love is patient, love is kind.
It is not jealous, it is not pompous,
It is not inflated, it is not rude,
it does not seek its own interests,
it is not quick-tempered, it does not brood over injury,
it does not rejoice over wrongdoing
but rejoices with the truth.
It bears all things, believes all things,
hopes all things, endures all things.
Love never fails.
The Old Testament reading from Jeremiah (1:4-5, 17-19) and Gospel passage from Luke (4:21-30) offer us an opportunity to reflect on the blessings, burdens and risks of authentic prophets in our Judeo-Christian tradition. So why is this Second Reading from St. Paul placed in the middle of two readings where prophets are trying to change people’s attitudes or hearts? What changes people for the better? Find the answers in the Sunday homilies we have compiled for you this week at this link. You can also read our full coverage of this week's Catholic world by clicking here.
Another eventful week in our Catholic World. Have a great and blessed new week.
Keep the Faith. Peace.
Wally Arida
Publisher & Editor in chief
BURNING QUESTION: Should Mass be offered for those who oppose the Church?
FEATURED BLOG: Why Prophets Aren't Popular
PASTORAL HISPANA: Signo de Contradiccion
Follow us on Twitter
Click Here to receive a FREE SUBSCRIPTION to this weekly email
--
No comments:
Post a Comment