Many have questions about identity: who we are and what is the purpose of our lives. Perhaps that’s what Jesus is responding to in today’s Gospel, by describing his identity and mission. Love and suffering teach us many lessons. They have the power to get our attention, make us a bit more self-reflective, and change our lives. They have the power to shape and form our lives in ways other things or experiences do not. In today’s Gospel Jesus has returned to Nazareth, the town where he grew up, to the synagogue where he worshipped as a child, and to the people who knew him. He takes and unrolls the scroll of the Prophet Isaiah and reads Isiah 61:1 “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me…he has sent me to bring good news…to proclaim liberty to the captives, release to the prisoners.” And then he announces, “Today this scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing.” Let us pray that our identity and mission too would become clear to us, so that we may follow God’s will.

PRAYER: Abba Father, may we, being aware of who we are in you, be aware of others’ needs, to bring your healing love to them. Amen.