Commentary
Entitlement
“Do
here in your native place the things that we heard were done in
Capernaum.”
These
are the words the people of Nazareth said to Jesus in his first
public appearance in his hometown. They must have heard of his
mighty deeds and his powerful preaching elsewhere.
Yet,
their words do not express a sense of pride. Neither are they words
of disbelief.
Rather,
these words seem to express the people's desire to keep Jesus to
themselves.
They
do not realize that Jesus cannot be contained. Nobody is entitled to
the gift of God. Nor can any group of people keep God's salvation to
themselves.
Earlier
in this Gospel, Luke emphasized that Jesus is the Savior of all. He
is “a light for revelation to the Gentiles” (2:32) and that “all
flesh shall see the salvation of God” (3:6) [1]
.
More
specifically, immediately before the exchange of words with his
townsfolks, in 4:18-19, Jesus indicated that he has been sent to the
poor, the captives, the oppressed, and not to those who feel entitled
to God's gift. Like the prophets, Jesus – the new Prophet – has
been sent to the poor, the widows, the lepers, and the outcasts of
society, the widow in Zarephathp and the Naaman the Syrian of his
time.
What
attitude do I have towards the gift of Jesus? And as a beloved child
of God, am I sharing God's salvation to all, especially the poor, the
widows, the lepers, and the outcasts?
-------------------
[1]
Luke
Timothy Johnson,
The
Gospel of Luke,
Sacra Pagina Series. Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press; p. 82.
January 31st is the Feast Day of St. John Bosco, our Founder. Please pray for us, that we may grow in holiness following his example, and continue to bring God to young people, especially those who are poor.
Some info about us: http://www.salesiansofdonbosco.org
January 31st is the Feast Day of St. John Bosco, our Founder. Please pray for us, that we may grow in holiness following his example, and continue to bring God to young people, especially those who are poor.
Some info about us: http://www.salesiansofdonbosco.org
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