Jesus, returning in the power of the Spirit, stands up in church (i.e. the synagogue) and reads His job description from Isaiah 61. His first responsibility is to bring glad tidings to the poor (Lk 4:18). When He did that, He was accused of breaking the law by eating with tax collectors and prostitutes (Mt 9:11). The second part of His job is to proclaim liberty to captives (Lk 4:18). When He told the religious leaders and people that they were slaves of sin, they denied everything, maintaining they were children of Abraham and had never been slaves (Jn 8:33).

Jesus' third responsibility is to provide recovery of sight to the blind (Lk 4:18). After Jesus healed the man born blind, He implied the Pharisees were blind and He would heal them also (Jn 9:40). They were greatly upset with Jesus for this.

It seems that every time Jesus does His saving work, people get upset. In fact, after Jesus finished reading His job description, He preached in such a way that the people tried to kill Him by throwing Him over a cliff (Lk 4:30).

What about you? Will you admit your slavery and blindness? Can Jesus say what He wants to you? Will you accept God's lifesaving work in your life?

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Richard Walling, July 7, 2004

Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, July 19, 2004