4th Sunday - C

Commentary

Luke 4: 21 – 30

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?

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[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.
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