Good News!

Greetings on this the Wednesday of the Third Week of Advent
Readings: Is 45:6c-8, 18, 21c-25; PS 85:9ab and 10, 11-12, 13-14; Lk 7:18b-23
Notes: For those who read this blog frequently, you would rightly note I do reflect a lot on moral theology in regard to the Gospel message. It isn’t the only vector I reflect on but a significant quantity. I also spend time on the Eschatological Reversal of the mission of Jesus. Please note you can also search the blog for “Wordless Wednesday” to find photo essays on the beauty of creation (80 of them posted or queued). Some of you narrowly focus to my Social Justice teachings (which you freely distain and greatly misunderstand).

It’s not OK.

• Jesus was a radical.
• He preached an Eschatological Reversal.
• He was then and even today often misunderstood even by those who love and respect him.

Today’s Gospel portion is that type of reading. John the Baptist preached repentance and judgement. In some ways he thought Jesus should do the same only with even greater power. But that was not to be. That is not what the Lord wants, at all.

The Gospel of Luke assures us that the Kingdom of God, in its fullness, will confound all our expectations and will overturn our experiences. In fact, in the Kingdom of God everything will be turned upside down. From(https://www.franciscanmedia.org/st-anthony-messenger/february-2018/gods-great-reversal-key-to-the-gospel-of-luke)

Reflection

In answer to John’s question, Are you the one who is to come?—a probable reference to the return of the fiery prophet of reform, Elijah, “before the day of the Lord comes, the great and terrible day” (Mal 3:23)—Jesus responds that his role is rather to bring the blessings spoken of in Is 61:1 to the oppressed and neglected of society (Lk 7:22; cf. Lk 4:18) (NABRE on Gospel of Luke 7:18b-23).

THEN HE SAID:

And blessed is the one who takes no offense at me (v23).
Blessed is the one who takes no offense at me: this beatitude is pronounced on the person who recognizes Jesus’ true identity in spite of previous expectations of what “the one who is to come” would be like (NABRE on Gospel of Luke 7:23).

First reading
Let justice descend, O heavens, like dew from above,
like gentle rain let the skies drop it down.

Turn to me and be safe,
all you ends of the earth,
for I am God; there is no other!

Responsorial Psalm
Let the clouds rain down the Just One, and the earth bring forth a Savior. (Isaiah 45:8)

The LORD himself will give his benefits;
our land shall yield its increase.
Justice shall walk before him,
and salvation, along the way of his steps.

Alleluia Verse
Raise your voice and tell the Good News:
Behold, the Lord God comes with power.

Gospel Portion
At that time,
John summoned two of his disciples and sent them to the Lord to ask,
“Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?”

And Jesus said to them in reply,
“Go and tell John what you have seen and heard:
the blind regain their sight,
the lame walk,
lepers are cleansed,
the deaf hear, the dead are raised,
the poor have the good news proclaimed to them.
And blessed is the one who takes no offense at me.”

From The Parable of the Good Samaritan.
Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.” (Lk 10:37b).

Maybe the good news is not in focus for you?

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry