3rd Sunday After the Epiphany

This week we heard two Inaugural Addresses. One was from Jesus' first sermon found in the Gospel of Luke (4:18-19) which says, “The Spirit of our God is upon me: because the Most High has anointed me to bring Good News to those who are poor. God has sent me to proclaim liberty to those held captive, recovery of sight to those who are blind, and release to those in prison- to proclaim the year of our God’s favor.” 

While the other makes clear, “The Spirit of Retribution is upon me: because the American People have anointed me to bring Good News to those who are billionaires, and nobody else.  The voters sent me to proclaim liberty to the January 6th Insurrectionists, to take funding away from the blind, and release top secret security clearances to anyone who wants in on the grift, and proclaims the year of my own favor.”

Only one of these Inaugural Addresses is life-giving, and truly Good News for all people.

We concluded our time with the verses which offer the conclusion to this scene in Luke 4:22-30. In this second part, Jesus' hometown people turn on him, filled with rage, and try to throw him off a cliff (literally). The passage closes with theses words: "But he passed through the midst of them and went on his way.” Nobody walks through an angry mob alone or without help - not even Jesus. Whatever comes in the weeks and months head, together we can make a way for ourselves and for others trusting in the One who guides us through even the most difficult circumstances.