For nearly thirty years, Jesus had habitually entered the synagogue on the Sabbath to worship God (Lk 4:16). Then, on one special Sabbath day, the time "of favor" came (Lk 4:19). On that day, the Holy Spirit anointed and sent Jesus out, Scriptures were fulfilled, Jesus prophesied in power, and was nearly killed (Lk 4:23ff).
Since Jesus is the same today as He was then (Heb 13:8), He is working in power today, His day, the Lord's Day. Therefore, we should never be comfortable and complacent walking into Church; rather, we should approach "the liturgy of the Lord" (Acts 13:2) with trembling, anticipation, reverence, and awe. At any moment, in any Mass, the Spirit may explode and an international, earthshaking ministry could be born (see Lk 4:18; Acts 13:2). Great healings (Acts 20:7-12) or life-changing revelations (Lk 24:30-32) might occur. Miracles will occur, as bread and wine are being transformed into the body and blood of Jesus, Who is God. The proclaimed Scriptures will be fulfilled in the lives of many today as Jesus comes alive in their hearts and sets them free (Lk 4:18).
Today is the Lord's Day, "the first of all days" (Catechism, 2174). "Today is holy to the Lord" (Neh 8:9). Today the Holy Spirit anoints you (Lk 4:18). Expect today's Mass to be charged with power as Jesus makes all things new (Rv 21:5) – today.
| PRAYER: | Jesus, may I never be so "familiar" with You that I become like the people of Nazareth and fail to see You as God. |
| PROMISE: | "You, then, are the body of Christ. Every one of you is a member of it." –1 Cor 12:27 |
| PRAISE: | Praise You, risen Jesus, "the Resurrection and the Life" (Jn 11:25). All life, all holiness comes from You. Alleluia! |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College