In this Sunday’s gospel, Jesus enters his hometown synagogue, and proclaims a reading from the Book of Isaiah- “The Spirit of God is upon.” How Jesus proclaims this reading offers no doubt that this passage was about his mission and ministry. Jesus’ mission is to bring good news to the poor, freedom to those who are burdened by the cares of life and bring healing to those most in need.
   
As a result, the blind see, the lame walk, the deaf hear, lepers are cleansed, the dead are raised, and the poor have the Good News proclaimed to them. Jesus announces that the passage he read from the Prophet Isaiah is fulfilled in our hearing. The psalmist tells us “Your Words are spirit and life, O Lord!” We must face the things that keep us from being free. We turn to the forgiveness of God to let go of things that keep us bound and allow God to fulfill all our needs.
   
Jesus reminds us that we are one body sharing in God’s fulfilling love and grace. We are called to be God’s hand and feet in this life. We are called to be the dream of God, which builds, heals, and gives of ourselves to build up the Body of Christ. The Spirit of God is upon us and it drives us beyond ourselves to live the mission of God. We are sent to bring glad tidings to the lowly, the poor, and the captives. In doing this, God’s mission becomes our own.
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A friend of mine wrote, “Jesus responded to the needs of the world. He shared his message of the Father’s love and forgiveness with everyone, especially those who were in need. He sends us the Holy Spirit to help us continue his mission. Every kind act we do is a way to serve God’s kingdom.” Let us all look for a way to be kind and helpful today.