Isaiah 61:1-3, 10-11
Psalm 71
1 Thessalonians 5:16b-24
John 1:6-9,15 [19-27]
REFLECTION: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon... who?”
Today, in our reading from Isaiah’s prophecy, we hear the deeply moving words that Jesus quoted early in his ministry in the Synagogue at Nazareth. We often think of these words in conjunction with Jesus’ mission and ministry. So why are we reading them today, on a day that, on the surface of things, is all about John the Baptist?
Today, in our reading from Isaiah’s prophecy, we hear the deeply moving words that Jesus quoted early in his ministry in the Synagogue at Nazareth. We often think of these words in conjunction with Jesus’ mission and ministry. So why are we reading them today, on a day that, on the surface of things, is all about John the Baptist?
John, the forerunner of
the Messiah in all things, clearly had a God-given mission, and, if we
carefully recall the story of John’s conception, birth, and youth, we recognize
that the Spirit was active in him – even before his birth!
Recognizing the voice of
the Savior, even in the womb? Spirit of the Lord, right there. Proclaiming
repentance and renewal? Pure Spirit. Baptizing in the Jordan to manifest the
reconciliation that Messiah would bring. Yep. Spirit. Again.
But that’s probably where
it ends.
Right?
Wrong!Brothers and sisters, the Spirit of the Lord is upon you. It is through the Spirit’s power that we are made one with the Father in Christ. It is through the Spirit’s power that we acclaim Jesus as Lord. It is through the Spirit’s power that we accomplish every good and perfect work. It is through the Spirit’s movement that we are led in the pathways of righteousness, joy, and peace.
It’s
time to stop thinking of the Spirit of the Lord as a gift for the privileged,
and time to start thinking of it as your personal inheritance, the gift of your
baptism, the cherished companion along the way.
Do not neglect it.
Revel in it!
Rejoice in it!
Do not neglect it.
Revel in it!
Rejoice in it!
