The Gospel of Luke, chapter 4:18

The inauguration of a new president should give us pause. Two years ago, with great pomp and ritual, the people of the United States mantled Barack Obama and his administration with might to protect the rights of all citizens. The peaceful exchange of government had taken place: the link with tradition was preserved. Hopes were high. They should be.

Today’s scripture also calls us to remember that, regardless of the promises or hopes of a worldly power or government, we live in the age of the Lord who is the fulfillment of our promises and hopes.
Jesus came on earth to preach God’s word. All who stand to hear it also stand under its judgment. After hearing the word, we are summoned to live our lives according to the dictates of the word. We are called to follow Christ.

When Jesus declares in today’s gospel passage that He is the anointed one, a link is forged with the past (the Old Testament) and a new age begins; a new age of favor from the Lord.

If you read the newspapers or watch T.V, you have likely seen and heard a lot of chatter about a global economy, pyramid power, harmonic convergences and the like. It seems a lot of folks want to tap into some sort of cosmic economic power which has failed to deliver on its vague promises for the majority of people.

Today’s scripture makes it clear that spiritual power is available, but not quite so nebulous. We are a part of the new age indeed, and its power resides in people hearing the good news; people being set free; and the blind recovering sight. This power is found in communities that function as ‘one body’-working for the good of all. This power is ours to share, and it will not let us down; it will not forsake us like the fickle power of politicians.

In our nation, each new administration acquires enormous power, power given it by the people. Advent seems a perfect time to recall that the power of Jesus is bestowed upon all of us and it cannot be compromised by any government. It is spiritual power that begins within us when we let go of the worldly trappings of power or, at least, are not controlled by them, and accept the good news.

Just as the President of the United States has pledged to exercise his power for the people, so we pledge to exercise our God-given power for the good of all.

We have so much news to share, and we have God’s own favor to announce to all people.

Fr. Hugh Duffy