The Source of Courage

A Reflection on the Gospel for January 23rd, 2022:
Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

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​Luke
1.1-4; 4.14-21

Since many have undertaken to set down an orderly account of the events that have been fulfilled among us, just as they were handed on to us by those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and servants of the word, I too decided, after investigating everything carefully from the very first, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the truth concerning the things about which you have been instructed.

Jesus, filled with the power of the Spirit, returned to Galilee, and a report about him spread through all the surrounding country. He began to teach in their synagogues and was praised by everyone. When he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, he went to the synagogue on the Sabbath day, as was his custom.

He stood up to read, and the scroll of the Prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.”

And he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him.

Then he began to say to them, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.”

I’m sure one could have heard a pin drop – the moment when He sits down and everyone is looking at Him, their eyes fixed on Him. I wonder: what were they all thinking? And then, filled with the power of the Spirit, He makes the bold statement that this scripture has been fulfilled in their hearing. 
 


There were most assuredly doubters, haters, and supporters in the crowd. Today, as we try to walk in His footsteps, we too experience and are surrounded by many emotions and opinions. What strikes me here is that we see what is happening when Jesus begins to live boldly out of His divine purpose – and this both reassures me and encourages me as I step out into my purpose-filled life in His name.
 


I admit to a certain fear and trepidation about speaking the name of Jesus in our society. What I am discovering as my faith grows and my heart heals is that we have all been given a unique voice in His name, just like Jesus Himself, and therein lies the courage to speak His truth. There is a right time and place, as perhaps Jesus knew that day in the synagogue, but then there is somehow never really a right time. It requires some serious dexterity to navigate through the pride and emotion in my own heart and to be sensitive to the same in the hearts of others. 
 


I assume this was easier for Jesus – after all, He is the Son of God, and everyone can see there was something different about Him – but I believe we can all obtain a similar “glow” if we are intentional and disciplined about cultivating a relationship with Him at all times and in all places. Jesus Himself worked hard at His relationship with His Father, and shows us how. 
 


Pray without ceasing.
 


Father, what should I do? In light of Your love for me, in light of who You made me to be, in light of the virtue You’ve called me into, what should I do?
 


When I allow God to love me well, to open my heart to hear His tender voice, I become more aware that this is how He loves everyone – and that His tender voice should also be mine. I can bring Him my feelings in all their intensity and He will comfort me, He will reassure me; He helps me to know that my feelings are not the most important thing, though they may seem like it sometimes. From this truth flows the deepening in relationship with Him and with those around me that I need in order to have the confidence to live with a virtue and purpose inspired by His Spirit. 
 


Thank you, Lord, for Your Word.




Lindsay Elford
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