Reflection: This is perhaps one of the most inspiring passages in Scripture. The prophet announces that the Spirit has anointed him to be a spokesperson. They will speak a message of comfort, deliverance and freedom. He announces that those in poverty and who are disenfranchised will be freed. The time of God’s favour is now. At the time the prophet announced these words the Judean community had returned from exile in Babylon but were still in poverty. There was a sense they were still in exile. Jesus came to end the exile. He came to see restoration and deliverance. Luke recalls
the account of Jesus reading these very words from Isaiah in the synagogue in Nazareth (4:16-30). Reading this text he said: Today it is fulfilled. These words of Isaiah were used as a signpost to the ministry of Jesus.
Question: How does Jesus fulfil this passage from Isaiah?
Prayer: Lord, we want to understand in a deeper way the mysteries of Christ and the salvation found in him. Help us to understand.