Life and Liberty

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today invite us to reflect on the hope and heritage that accompanies our participation in living as disciples of Christ.

Life and Love

The Reading from the First Letter of Paul to the Thessalonians proclaims Hope for the Christian Dead.

* [4:15] Coming of the Lord: Paul here assumes that the second coming, or parousia, will occur within his own lifetime but insists that the time or season is unknown (1 Thes 5:1–2). Nevertheless, the most important aspect of the parousia for him was the fulfillment of union with Christ. His pastoral exhortation focuses first on hope for the departed faithful, then (1 Thes 5:1–3) on the need of preparedness for those who have to achieve their goal.

* [4:17] Will be caught up together: literally, snatched up, carried off; cf. 2 Cor 12:2; Rev 12:5. From the Latin verb here used, rapiemur, has come the idea of “the rapture,” when believers will be transported away from the woes of the world; this construction combines this verse with Mt 24:40–41 (see note there) // Lk 17:34–35 and passages from Revelation in a scheme of millennial dispensationalism. (1 Thessalonians, CHAPTER 4 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 96 is a hymn inviting all humanity to praise the glories of Israel’s God.

* [Psalm 96] A hymn inviting all humanity to praise the glories of Israel’s God (Ps 96:1–3), who is the sole God (Ps 96:4–6). To the just ruler of all belongs worship (Ps 96:7–10); even inanimate creation is to offer praise (Ps 96:11–13). This Psalm has numerous verbal and thematic contacts with Is 40–55, as does Ps 98. Another version of the Psalm is 1 Chr 16:23–33. (Psalms, PSALM 96 | USCCB, n.d.)

The Gospel of Luke presents the Rejection of Jesus at Nazareth.

* [4:16–30] Luke has transposed to the beginning of Jesus’ ministry an incident from his Marcan source, which situated it near the end of the Galilean ministry (Mk 6:1–6a). In doing so, Luke turns the initial admiration (Lk 4:22) and subsequent rejection of Jesus (Lk 4:28–29) into a foreshadowing of the whole future ministry of Jesus. Moreover, the rejection of Jesus in his own hometown hints at the greater rejection of him by Israel (Acts 13:46).

* [4:16] According to his custom: Jesus’ practice of regularly attending synagogue is carried on by the early Christians’ practice of meeting in the temple (Acts 2:46; 3:1; 5:12).

* [4:18] The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me: see note on Lk 3:21–22. As this incident develops, Jesus is portrayed as a prophet whose ministry is compared to that of the prophets Elijah and Elisha. Prophetic anointings are known in first-century Palestinian Judaism from the Qumran literature that speaks of prophets as God’s anointed ones. To bring glad tidings to the poor: more than any other gospel writer Luke is concerned with Jesus’ attitude toward the economically and socially poor (see Lk 6:20, 24; 12:16–21; 14:12–14; 16:19–26; 19:8). At times, the poor in Luke’s gospel are associated with the downtrodden, the oppressed and afflicted, the forgotten and the neglected (Lk 4:18; 6:20–22; 7:22; 14:12–14), and it is they who accept Jesus’ message of salvation.

* [4:21] Today this scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing: this sermon inaugurates the time of fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. Luke presents the ministry of Jesus as fulfilling Old Testament hopes and expectations (Lk 7:22); for Luke, even Jesus’ suffering, death, and resurrection are done in fulfillment of the scriptures (Lk 24:25–27, 44–46; Acts 3:18).

* [4:23] The things that we heard were done in Capernaum: Luke’s source for this incident reveals an awareness of an earlier ministry of Jesus in Capernaum that Luke has not yet made use of because of his transposition of this Nazareth episode to the beginning of Jesus’ Galilean ministry. It is possible that by use of the future tense you will quote me…, Jesus is being portrayed as a prophet.

* [4:25–26] The references to Elijah and Elisha serve several purposes in this episode: they emphasize Luke’s portrait of Jesus as a prophet like Elijah and Elisha; they help to explain why the initial admiration of the people turns to rejection; and they provide the scriptural justification for the future Christian mission to the Gentiles.

* [4:26] A widow in Zarephath in the land of Sidon: like Naaman the Syrian in Lk 4:27, a non-Israelite becomes the object of the prophet’s ministry. (Luke, CHAPTER 4 | USCCB, n.d.)

George Butterfield reflects on a  “memorial service” and the contrast to the funerals and memorials he had experienced.

Whether we die or live until the Lord’s return, our hope is that we will always be with the Lord. We have a future. It is a future of light, happiness, and joy - the mystery of the Cross come to fruition. We can console one another with these words. (Butterfield, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes “By reading Isaiah, Jesus shows he is God and Man,” by Cyril of Alexandria (376-444 AD).

"Now it was necessary that he should manifest himself to the Israelites and that the mystery of his incarnation should now shine forth to those who did not know him. Now that God the Father had anointed him to save the world, he very wisely orders this also [that his fame should now spread widely]. This favor he grants first to the people of Nazareth, because, humanly speaking, he had grown up among them. Having entered the synagogue, therefore, he takes the book to read. Having opened it, he selects a passage in the Prophets which declares the mystery concerning him. By these words he himself tells us very clearly by the voice of the prophet that he would both be made man and come to save the world. For we affirm that the Son was anointed in no other way than by having become like us according to the flesh and taking our nature. Being at once God and man, he both gives the Spirit to the creation in his divine nature and receives it from God the Father in his human nature. It is he who sanctifies the whole creation, both by shining forth from the Holy Father and by bestowing the Spirit. He himself pours forth his own Spirit on the powers above and on those who recognized his appearing. (excerpt from COMMENTARY ON LUKE, HOMILY 12) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Luke 4:16-30 invites us to ponder today’s readings, and ask the Holy Spirit to show us how they have been fulfilled in our life.

Try to do this every day this coming month, and see how the Spirit leads you. Take the time to savor what you are reading. Let the Spirit sweep you up into the story. Let him show you how it’s the story of you and Jesus and all your brothers and sisters in Christ!

“Come, Holy Spirit, and help me to see how you are fulfilling the Scriptures in me—today!” (Meditation on Luke 4:16-30, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments on the readings for today.

Fr. Richard Rohr cites CAC’s We Conspire which introduces the life and teachings of Brother Lawrence (1611–1691), whose simple guidance and humble life inspired countless people to “practice the presence of God.”

For Brother Lawrence, even suffering itself becomes fodder to practice the Divine presence. We know of Brother Lawrence’s kind and gentle witness through numerous spiritual maxims he wrote down, letters that he penned to others, and interviews he gave to a curious, eager-to-learn monk named Joseph of Beaufort. In one letter, written to a nun at a nearby convent undergoing health challenges, Brother Lawrence is convinced that the Divine love given to us through practicing the presence heals our wounds despite painful circumstances. Nearing death and unable to walk, Brother Lawrence nevertheless envisions God as a parent full of love, affirming when we are embraced by such a Divine friend and parent “all the bitterness is removed, and only the sweetness remains.” [5] (Rohr, n.d.)

We are accompanied by the Holy Spirit as we experience acceptance and rejection, hope and despair in our journey in life.

References

Butterfield, G. (n.d.). Daily Reflection. Creighton Online Ministries: Home. Retrieved September 1, 2025, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-september-2-2019 

Luke, CHAPTER 4 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved September 1, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/4?16 

Meditation on Luke 4:16-30. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved September 1, 2025, from https://wau.org/meditations/2025/09/01/1372202/ 

1 Thessalonians, CHAPTER 4 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved September 1, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/1thessalonians/4?13 

Psalms, PSALM 96 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved September 1, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/96?1 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Daily Meditations — Center for Action and Contemplation. CAC.org. Retrieved September 1, 2025, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/brother-lawrence-of-the-resurrection/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). No Prophet Is Acceptable in His Own Country. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved September 1, 2025, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2025&date=sep1 

Blessing and the Holy Spirit

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today invite us to ponder our religious heritage and refresh our attention to the guidance of the Spirit on our journey.

Faith and the Spirit

The reading from the Letter to the Hebrews celebrates the Faith of the Ancients.

* [11:1–40] This chapter draws upon the people and events of the Old Testament to paint an inspiring portrait of religious faith, firm and unyielding in the face of any obstacles that confront it. These pages rank among the most eloquent and lofty to be found in the Bible. They expand the theme announced in Heb 6:12, to which the author now returns (Heb 10:39). The material of this chapter is developed chronologically. Heb 11:3–7 draw upon the first nine chapters of Genesis (Gn 1–9); Heb 11:8–22, upon the period of the patriarchs; Heb 11:23–31, upon the time of Moses; Heb 11:32–38, upon the history of the judges, the prophets, and the Maccabean martyrs. The author gives the most extensive description of faith provided in the New Testament, though his interest does not lie in a technical, theological definition. In view of the needs of his audience he describes what authentic faith does, not what it is in itself. Through faith God guarantees the blessings to be hoped for from him, providing evidence in the gift of faith that what he promises will eventually come to pass (Heb 11:1). Because they accepted in faith God’s guarantee of the future, the biblical personages discussed in Heb 11:3–38 were themselves commended by God (Heb 11:2). Christians have even greater reason to remain firm in faith since they, unlike the Old Testament men and women of faith, have perceived the beginning of God’s fulfillment of his messianic promises (Heb 11:39–40). (Hebrews, CHAPTER 11 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 31 offers Prayer and Praise for Deliverance from Enemies.

* [Psalm 31] A lament (Ps 31:2–19) with a strong emphasis on trust (Ps 31:4, 6, 15–16), ending with an anticipatory thanksgiving (Ps 31:20–24). As is usual in laments, the affliction is couched in general terms. The psalmist feels overwhelmed by evil people but trusts in the “God of truth” (Ps 31:6). (Psalms, PSALM 31 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus Heals the Gerasene Demoniac.

* [5:1] The territory of the Gerasenes: the reference is to pagan territory; cf. Is 65:1. Another reading is “Gadarenes”; see note on Mt 8:28.

* [5:2–6] The man was an outcast from society, dominated by unclean spirits (Mk 5:8, 13), living among the tombs. The prostration before Jesus (Mk 5:6) indicates Jesus’ power over evil spirits.

* [5:7] What have you to do with me?: cf. Mk 1:24 and see note on Jn 2:4.

* [5:9] Legion is my name: the demons were numerous and the condition of the possessed man was extremely serious; cf. Mt 12:45.

* [5:11] Herd of swine: see note on Mt 8:30.

* [5:19] Go home: Jesus did not accept the man’s request to remain with him as a disciple (Mk 5:18), yet invited him to announce to his own people what the Lord had done for him, i.e., proclaim the gospel message to his pagan family; cf. Mk 1:14, 39; 3:14; 13:10. (Mark, CHAPTER 5 | USCCB, n.d.)

Tamora Whitney recalls the Prayer for the Blessing of Throats, a Feb 3 tradition, and the encouragement in Hebrews for life in difficult times.

"Through the intercession of Saint Blase, bishop and martyr, may God deliver you from every disease of the throat and from every other illness:

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, + and of the Holy Spirit. "

In the first reading from Hebrews we are told of the prophets of old who were faithful and overcame challenges in their faith. It did not always end well for them, some were tortured and martyred. So their reward came in the next world, not this one. They can be seen as an inspiration for us who are uncertain and frightened about the times we live in. We can take comfort that others were also uncertain and were frightened but remained faithful; others came before us who had to overcome impossible obstacles and who were persecuted. Because of their sacrifice we have a role model and inspiration. (Whitney, 2025)

Don Schwager quotes “The God-Man beheld,” by Gregory of Nazianzus (330 - 390 AD)

"Yes, he is recognized by demons (Luke 4:33-34, Mark 1:23-24), drives out demons (Matthew 8:16, Mark 1:34), drowns deep a legion of spirits (Matthew 8:32; Mark 5:9,13; Luke 8:30,33) and sees the prince of demons falling like lightning (Luke 10:18). He is stoned, yet not hit (John 8:59; 10:31,39); he prays yet he hears prayer (Matthew 8:13; Mark 1:35). He weeps (John 11:35), yet he puts an end to weeping (Luke 7:13; 8:522; 23:28). He asks where Lazarus is (John 11:34) - he was man; yet he raises Lazarus (John 11:43-44) - he was God." (excerpt from ORATION 29, ON THE SON 20) (of Nazianzus & Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Psalm 31:20-24 comments that the psalmist begins by crying out to God for help and ends by proclaiming his faith that God will answer his prayer. He praises God for the “wondrous mercy he has shown me” and for hearing “the sound of my pleading” (Psalm 31:22, 23). Because of God’s past faithfulness, he trusts that God will come to his aid again. And so he exults, “How great is the goodness, O Lord, which you have in store for those who fear you” (31:20).

So don’t bear your burdens alone: unburden yourself to Jesus. Let him remind you that your Father has good things in store for you. Lift up your eyes to your risen Lord who awaits you. Even death is not the end of the story. God’s goodness will pursue you all the days of your life (Psalm 23:6)!

“Lord, I trust in you!” (Meditation on Psalm 31:20-24, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments that the Letter to the Hebrews today proclaims more people of faith in our heritage who trusted God and experienced wondrous gifts. The Hebrew Testament offers prefigurations of Jesus actions in faith. Friar Jude reminds us of the resonance of “Legion” with the Roman occupation and the damage done to pagan livelihoods when the demons drive the swine into the sea.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, offers a history of Israel’s prophets and the unique role they played.

The same dynamics operate today, with those in power or trying to gain power more interested in protecting their own interests and positions than in seeking justice. We must be eternally conscious of this fact: For the untransformed self, religion is the most dangerous temptation of all. Our egos, when they are validated by religion, are given full permission to enslave, segregate, demean, defraud, and inflate—because all bases are covered with pre-ascribed virtue and a supposed hatred of evil. This is what the prophets expose in their wholesale assault on temple worship, priestly classes, self-serving commandments, and intergenerational wealth. “Be very careful here!” they keep shouting. The prophets know that religion is the best and that religion also risks being the worst. We love to choose sides and declare ourselves sinless and pure and orthodox (“right”), with little evidence that it is true. This is always a surprise to everyone except the prophets. (Rohr, n.d.)

We seek inspiration from the Holy Spirit to live out our Baptismal anointing as a prophet to proclaim the blessings of our relationship with Christ.

References

Hebrews, CHAPTER 11 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved February 3, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/hebrews/11?32 

Mark, CHAPTER 5 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved February 3, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/mark/5?1=#49005001 

Meditation on Psalm 31:20-24. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved February 3, 2025, from https://wau.org/meditations/2025/02/03/1194360/ 

of Nazianzus, G., & Schwager, D. (n.d.). Tell Them How Much the Lord Has Done for You. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved February 3, 2025, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2025&date=feb3 

Psalms, PSALM 31 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved February 3, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/31?20 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). The Role of the Prophets. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved February 3, 2025, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/the-role-of-the-prophets/ 

Whitney, T. (2025, February 3). Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Retrieved February 3, 2025, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/020325.html