The beginning of Luke’s gospel is written in a style that was common for historical works in the Greek world and Luke was written for a gentile population that was very familiar with Greek influences. The introduction tell us that this gospel is historically accurate, is not private opinions but from those who knew of Jesus, and it is meant to strengthen the faith of Christians.
Jesus has just finished his forty days of fasting and praying in the desert (sounds like Lent) and he returns to Nazareth where he grew up. He proclaims the word of God spoken by the prophet Isaiah. The people of this time expected that the Messiah would free Israel from the domination of the Romans. So they saw this passage promising their national independence.
The word of God that Jesus proclaims is about renewal. The people will be freed from slavery (idols), debt (guilt), and imprisonment (from sin). The word of God announces liberation from sin not from domination by the Romans. This reading announces a turning point. For the people hearing it the time has come to choose a new path. Hearing the word of God is the beginning.
Will we hear the word of God today? Are we ready to know that we are at a turning point? Are we ready to follow where the word of God is calling us? Let’s respond “Amen Amen”.

Luke 1:1-4, 4: 14-21

Deacon Jack Staub at St. Mathew Catholic Church, Charlotte, NC