Gospel: Luke 4: 14-22
In today's Gospel portion, Jesus announces the authentic role of religion in the world. Its role is to heal others of their infirmities, to deliver people from what possesses them and binds them, and to feed others in mind, body, and spirit. Jesus makes this announcement in his home synagogue, and then he sets about to carry out this mission of religion in his public ministry, going about from town to town healing people, delivering people from their demons, and nourishing people at table.
Very often religion becomes something that is itself that binds people and holds them back from an authentic encounter with God and others. It becomes more about being pushed into pre-packaged programs and Bible studies designed only to benefit the cottage industries and egos that produce them. Rather than nourishing and eating with others, the table becomes an exclusive club by reservation only and only a few benefit.
How often do we find people in possession in houses of religion in the Gospels - in our own communities! How often is Jesus opposed in these same houses in the Gospels and in our own communities! Today is a day to reflect on the authentic role of religion and how we in our own lives are going to live out that mission to heal, liberate, and feed others.
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