January 9, 2020

Rolling up the scroll, he handed it back to the attendant and sat down, and the eyes of all in the synagogue looked intently at him. He said to them,“Today this Scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing.” (Luke 4:20-21)

Something big was happening…“Today this Scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing.” Jesus was telling the people in the synagogue, “What I just read is about me. It is happening right now. Christ is among you right now.”

I’m sure there was a whole range of thoughts and emotions spreading through the synagogue.

Fear – What if what He is saying is true? I have been waiting and preparing, but am I ready to meet Christ today?

Doubt – How can this be? I was expecting God’s anointed one to ride in on a white horse, a king to save his people, not this simple preacher.

For some it may have been joy. Finally he has come! Praise God!

In a very real sense, as we participate in Mass this weekend, and every weekend, this Scripture passage is once again “fulfilled in our hearing.” The same Jesus who fulfilled the prophecies of Isaiah comes to us and is truly present to us in the Eucharist and in the Word.

How do respond to that news?