Third Sunday of the Year (Year C)

 Third Sunday of the Year January 26, 2025

Nehemiah 8:2-6, 8-10; 1Corinthians 12:12-30; Luke 1:1-4; 4:14-21

(image courtesy: Google)

An elderly lady in London who had just crossed the street, when a man walked up to her and said politely, “Excuse me ma’am, but I must thank you.” Taken aback, the lady said, “Thank me! For what, may I ask?” “Ma’am” he explained, “I used to be a bus conductor and you were often on my bus. Every time I issued you a ticket, you’d greet me with a cheerful smile and a friendly ‘Good morning.” I knew at once that it came from something within. Seeing a little Bible in your hands one morning, I said to myself, “That’s where it comes from!” So I bought myself a Bible, and I found Jesus –thanks to you ma’am.” With that he doffed his hat and walked away. The dear old lady was astonished and deeply touched - May His word speak through our deeds!

We are all familiar with Delhi elections. We see there campaigning politicians. Promises are made to gain some votes, and they are forgotten faithfully when the power comes. In contrast we have the person of Jesus. The promises are fulfilled in Him. 

In the first reading from the Book of Nehemiah, we see the people of Israel whose hearts are stirred after they return from exile. Ezra the priest reads the Law to them, and as he does, we see their reaction—a mixture of reverence, joy, and, initially, sorrow. The reading emphasizes the vital importance of Scripture within our faith community. The Law provides the people with identity, purpose, and a concrete means to connect with God. 

As Ezra reads aloud, the people understand that they are part of a larger narrative—a history of salvation. This moment serves as a reminder of the power of the Word of God to transform lives, to guide communities, and to foster unity among believers in their shared faith. The reading ends with an exhortation to go forth in joy, for "the joy of the Lord is our strength." This sentiment is as relevant today as it was then. In the face of life's challenges, distractions, and turmoil, we, too, need to remember that joy rooted in God is our true strength.

Today we begin reading the Gospel of Luke. In his opening preface Luke tells us why he wrote the gospel. It was to explain to Theophilus, probably a Roman official, what Christianity was all about. Have you ever tried to explain to someone what Christianity is all about? Many people think that Christianity is all about sin and judgment, heaven and hell; and that God is a heavenly policeman who is constantly monitoring our movements, writing down all our sins in His book and waiting to throw us into hellfire as soon as He catches up with us. Luke sees it all differently. For him Christianity has more to do with God's love and mercy than with punishment.

That is why, in telling Theophilus about the Christian faith, Luke finds the incident in the synagogue in Nazareth very useful. In this incident found only in Luke's Gospel, Jesus makes a solemn declaration of his mission in the world. We can call it the Jesus Manifesto. People who initiate a revolution usually start off with a declaration of their manifesto. Karl Mark started by publishing the Communist Manifesto. Martin Luther started off with the publication of the 95 theses in Wittenberg. Jesus has come to start a revolution of mercy and love in the world. And here in today's Gospel reading he publishes the Christian manifesto:

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 let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favour. 

In these few words we see in a nutshell how Jesus, in Luke, understands his mission in the world. What is Jesus' work? It is "to bring good news to the poor, to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favour." In Matthew Jesus speaks of "the poor in spirit" but in Luke he speaks simply of "the poor." Jesus in Luke is concerned not only with the spiritual aspects of human life but also with the material and social aspects. Here we see the love and mercy of Jesus reaching out to all in need. 

Like the master, so do the followers. We who bear the name of Christ -- Christians -- ought to live according to Christ's manifesto. It is our mission as individuals and as a community to bring Good News to the poor in our society. Today's gospel challenges us to stretch out our hands in practical solidarity with those who are visibly disadvantaged around us. Before we save people's souls that we cannot see, we must first endeavour to save their bodies, their health, their housing and their jobs that we can see. 

Happy Sunday