Mission Movers!

A story is told of how a visitor arrived at a quarry who asked the men who were working there what they were doing. ‘Can’t you see I’m breaking up stone?’ said one gruffly.  ‘I’m making a living for my family,’ said the second man. The third man had a greater vision. ‘I’m helping to build a cathedral,’ he replied with a glowing smile.

This week, Barack Obama stood on the steps of the Capitol in Washington, D.C., and proclaimed the oath of office for President of the United States - as he embarked on his second term with new vision, hopes, and goals.  He delivered his Second Inaugural Address – his Mission Statement – that will propel him over these next four years.  He is not breaking up stones, or just earning a living.  He is “charged up” to build this country. 

In our Gospel this Sunday, Jesus, too, has been “charged up” by his desert experience and now has a greater vision. “Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news of him spread throughout the whole region. He taught in their synagogues and was praised by all.”  No doubt the Galilean paparazzi were weaving in and out of the crowd to catch a better glimpse of this hometown boy who has returned to preach in the synagogue. “There were no priests in the synagogue, which was simply a prayer hall. The priests were in the Temple, the only place where sacrifice was held. Every male Jew had a right to read the Scriptures and to speak to the assembly.”

In this Gospel selection, Jesus comes to synagogue in Nazareth and unrolls the scroll and reads the words of the prophet Isaiah. “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord.”   This is his Mission Statement – It was a passage about the coming of the Messiah. Jesus is announcing that he himself is that Messiah. He applies the words of the prophet to himself. “The spirit of the Lord has been given to me [at his baptism], for he has anointed me.”  He is setting out to build the reign of God – it will cost him everything – even his life!  

Luke will give us high definition quality of who God is through the continued revelation of his Gospel – for we will hear of how the blind will be given sight through the application of spit and mud.  The poor will be preached the Good News on the grassy hillsides; those held captive by the Romans or through oppressive laws and regulations, customs and traditions will experience liberation with words of healing, reconciliation, and mercy.  The Spirit of God is loose and all is fulfilled in our hearing!

So what is the Good News for us to ponder?

• Where in our lives are we blind, oppressed, held captive, experience a poverty that is like a deep hole, and are in need of liberation?
• Try writing your own Mission Statement and stand in front of a mirror and proclaim it to witness God gifts to be of service to all no matter the cost.

An enthusiastic young man who had just graduated as a plumber was taken to see Niagara Falls.  He studied it for a minute, and then said, “I think I can fix this.” (A true Mission Mover!)