An Ongoing Mission
Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time
“Isn’t this the son of Joseph?” Luke 4:22
In his hometown synagogue, Jesus’ neighbors are amazed by his words. Nevertheless, they remind each other, “Is this not Joseph’s son?”
Surely the people know who he is. The carpenter’s son. The young man who had learned in this very synagogue. The boy down the street. Conflict arises as Jesus begins to define himself in a new way. When he compares himself to the ancient prophets Elijah and Elisha the tensions grow. The tensions multiply when Jesus begins to tell of a new mission for God’s people: the good news of the scriptures is intended for all.
In his famous passage from the First Letter to the Corinthians, St. Paul reminds us of the eternal nature of love. Love does not come to an end. In today’s readings, we are reminded that, like love, Jesus’ mission cannot be contained. Jesus slips through the crowd of persecutors and moves on to new challenges. We are called to this same perseverance in the name of love.
Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co.
Readings for the Week
Monday: Heb 11:32-40; Ps 31:20-24; Mk 5:1-20
Tuesday: Heb 12:1-4; Ps 22:26b-28, 30-32; Mk 5:21-43
Wednesday: Heb 12:4-7, 11-15; Ps 103:1-2, 13-14, 17-18a; Mk 6:1-6
Thursday: Heb 12:18-19, 21-24; Ps 48:2-4, 9-11; Mk 6:7-13
Friday: Heb 13:1-8; Ps 27:1, 3, 5, 8b-9; Mk 6:14-29
Saturday: Heb 13:15-17, 20-21; Ps 23:1-6; Mk 6:30-34
Sunday: Is 6:1-2a, 3-8; Ps 138:1-5, 7-8; 1 Cor 15:1-11 [3-8, 11]; Lk 5:1-11
Saints & Special Observances
Sunday: Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time; Boy Scouting Sunday
Tuesday: St. Agatha; Chinese New Year 4717
Wednesday: St. Paul Miki and Companions
Friday: St. Jerome Emiliani; St. Josephine Bakhita; International Day of Prayer & Awareness against Human Trafficking
Saturday: Blessed Virgin Mary