May the words of my mouth and the meditations of all our hearts be acceptable in Your sight, our strength and our redeemer. Amen.
January 2025: a new year, new beginnings, new opportunities, new, new, new. A time when we sit and reflect on what God’s will and purpose is for us in this new calendar year.
In our second reading from Paul’s letter to the Corinthians, he explains that we are many members of one body, in Christ. Just as the different members have different functions, we too are called to different ministries within this great body of Christ, for we all have received different gifts.
From our gospel reading this morning, we hear of how Jesus went to the synagogue in His hometown, Nazareth, a little town that is so insignificant that it is totally significant, and how He read from the scroll that was handed to Him of the prophet Isaiah:
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
because he has anointed me
to bring good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives
and recovery of sight to the blind,
to let the oppressed go free,
to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.”
Through this reading from Isaiah, Jesus is proclaiming to the people what He is called to do; that He is here for those who are on the outskirts and forgotten, to restore to them that which was taken from them.
Last week Br. Josias preached so wonderfully on how we are to speak and stand up for those who are marginalised. That is what Jesus is saying this morning, as he publicly starts off His ministry, that He came for those who are oppressed, captive and in need.
In our communities around us, there are so many in the very same position. As 2025 is here, as we start this new year, journeying with Jesus, what is our calling?
As part of this great body of Christ, what are our gifts and talents that we share with others to make this a better place for everyone?
Our contribution within this great body doesn’t have to be big, just a smile to cheer someone’s day up is already a great gift on its own. Just a text or a phone call, how are you doing, is also a great gift on its own.
There are those of us that are able to go bigger, to speak up and to act, and let us do that.
The important part of the teaching for today is that we use the gifts we have received, to keep this great and blessed body of Christ healthy and going with our eyes fixed heavenward. During this week ahead of us, may we make time and ask Almighty God to reveal to us what our gifts and talents are, and how we are to use them.