Thursday after Epiphany
As this week following Epiphany unfolds, we see yet another display of Jesus as the Messiah in the account of his visit to the synagogue in his home village of Nazareth. As he entered the assembly, Jesus was handed a scroll and proclaimed the prophecy of Isaiah: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free” (Isa 61:1; Lk 4:18). As an astonished crowd stares at Jesus—whom they all know to be the son of a local carpenter—as Jesus boldly proclaims: “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” The prophet Isaiah’s prediction of a Messiah who would proclaim liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind has come to pass.
It is clear from this Scripture passage (see also Lk 7:18-22) that a new era had arrived in Israel. Yet, both the people and the religious authorities failed to see the fulfillment of the words of the prophet Isaiah in the life of this humble rabbi who performed miracles in their midst each day.
Yet, it is not only people living over 2,000 years ago who are blind to the Messiah’s presence. How clearly do we recognize the Lord in our lives today? Do we see the miracles of grace he brings about before our very eyes? Consider how God bestows blessings upon us in ways that we may often fail to recognize: our very existence (the fact that our heart beats!), an awe-inspiring sunrise, a moment of deep prayer and consolation, a warm greeting from a friend or confrere, the resolution of a long-term conflict or problem, a surprise visit or gift from a friend, a few minutes of calm and peacefulness in the midst of a chaotic day or a much-needed note of encouragement at exactly the right moment. Let us pray for the assistance of the Holy Spirit to open our eyes to the Lord’s presence, to the Lord’s power, and to the wonders he brings to fulfillment in our lives each day.
For today: Consider keeping a daily “gratitude list” or learning to pray the Examen prayer to heighten our awareness of the Lord’s gifts of love bestowed upon us minute by minute throughout our day.
Reflection by Br. Michael Marcotte, OSB
Posted in Articles for Christmas, Daily Reflections