January 31st Reflection by Bill Lynch

Luke 4:21-30

Then he began to say to them, ‘Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.’ All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth. They said, ‘Is not this Joseph’s son?’ He said to them, ‘Doubtless you will quote to me this proverb, “Doctor, cure yourself!” And you will say, “Do here also in your home town the things that we have heard you did at Capernaum.” ’ And he said, ‘Truly I tell you, no prophet is accepted in the prophet’s home town. But the truth is, there were many widows in Israel in the time of Elijah, when the heaven was shut up for three years and six months, and there was a severe famine over all the land; yet Elijah was sent to none of them except to a widow at Zarephath in Sidon. There were also many lepers in Israel in the time of the prophet Elisha, and none of them was cleansed except Naaman the Syrian.’ When they heard this, all in the synagogue were filled with rage. They got up, drove him out of the town, and led him to the brow of the hill on which their town was built, so that they might hurl him off the cliff. But he passed through the midst of them and went on his way.

Reflection
I'm amazed at Jesus! He comes home and reveals himself as the Messiah. I understand the reaction of the people to a point. How can this be? They know this guy, his family and his life too well. How can he be the Messiah? I'm sure they are a little upset about the way he answers the question about being Joseph's son. Couldn't Jesus have just said Yes?

But, no, he goes on and tells them how they will act and things they will possibly say. Jesus, don't put words in our mouths! Jesus, instead of just saying yes to the question of being Joseph's son, goes on to tell about Elijah working miracles with a woman of another race. Jesus! You could have just said "Yes" that you were Joseph's son, but you went on and made the people mad at you. Why!?

The people were so mad they wanted to kill you. They took you to the edge of the hill to toss you off! Why! Jesus why? Why do you act this way?

I'm amazed at Jesus! Then you somehow... someway... just pass through the crowd. You made them mad as hell and you don't even seem to defend yourself and somehow you pass through the crowd that wants to toss you aside and you pass through. Not even a sign of revenge in you. I'm amazed at Jesus!

Jesus, your will and your way is so different. Maybe there is something to you after all.

Prayer
Father, I look to the Son and ponder the way he acts among us. You sent your Son to be with us and to save us. But Jesus is so different yet so much the same. Jesus, continue to reveal yourself to all the world that we may learn of your steadfast love... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen