Commentary on the Gospel of

Paulson Veliyannoor, CMF - Claretian Publications Philippines & Victoria Sanchez - Teacher in Madrid

Grace as Love

Read:

Through Jeremiah, God reminds us that every human life is willed, called, named, and commissioned by Him. Paul sings the hymn of love, the greatest of theological virtues. Upon declaration of his mission, Jesus meets with hostility from his own people.

Reflect:

We are revisiting this passage and its neighboring events for the third time (see January 6 & 23). Perhaps the Liturgy is trying hard to drive home this central message of the Gospel that is so evident that we often miss it: the message of Mercy and Good News. Of freedom and healing. Of Grace, in short. Jesus “spoke of the Grace of God.” This grace manifests itself as love, of which Paul sings today. It is this love that reaches down to the womb and knows us by name even before we are born. Unfortunately, the world fears this love. It rises up, takes love out of the town, to the edge of the hill, wanting to push it down the cliff. Fortunately for us, this love refuses to leave and sneaks back into us, as Grace again.

Pray:

Pray that you may grow in the theological virtues of faith, hope, and love.

Act:

Examine yourself against each of Paul’s pronouncements about love. Do you pass the test?

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"Is not this the Son of Joseph?"

Jesus could see early what he could expect from his own people. It is difficult for a person who sets out to act by listening faithfully to God to be well accepted among a people who live with their backs turned to God, which is why he went so far as to say: "No prophet is well regarded in his own land".

They missed the opportunity, because they lost Jesus and they lost themselves by demanding miracles from him. Like them, we can see ourselves in their misfortune, when we try to put conditions on Jesus. 

(Pope Francis): Jesus, who had just begun his public life, in today's Gospel returns to Galilee, where he reads the passage from the prophet Isaiah and declares: "Today this scripture that you have just heard has been fulfilled". The listeners rose up in indignation and drove him out of the city. These words that Jesus said in the synagogue can be applied to any time and remind us that Jesus brings us salvation. Joseph, a faithful and righteous man, and Mary, full of grace, were courageous and believed the Lord, leaving aside the voices of human pride and doubt.

Lord, grant that we may know you with our hearts, and that you will always be with us in our daily lives because of your great goodness.

(Psalm 70) My mouth will tell of your salvation, Lord.

HAPPY SUNDAY TO ALL!


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