BEGIN ANYWHERE
Over the past two weeks, since we began Ordinary time, our readings have been following a particular theme about the gifts we have and choose to share. At the same time, we have been hearing about Jesus at the beginning of his ministry – how his gifts of healing and presence have created a fair amount of confusion and anger in the minds and hearts of the Pharisees and religious leaders.
These are confusing, anxious times. . . whether we are talking about 2000 years ago or now. The religious leaders of Jesus’ day were convinced that they had God figured out, and then Jesus came challenged the system. Because while the system – the traditions and rituals of religion – were working for a few; Jesus’ actions tell us that there was also a great amount of suffering. Jesus responded when the traditions and structures of the day were more limiting, rather than opening, to presence of God.
But Jesus did more than just respond; he also claimed the authority that belonged to him. “Today, this scripture – to bring glad tidings to the poor; liberty to captives; sight to the blind, and let the oppressed go free – is fulfilled.”
Remember that Jesus did not feel particularly ready to enter into public life. During the wedding at Cana, he felt “his time had not yet come”; but being ready is rarely the requirement. We must only decide if we are willing. Most of us don’t decide what the purpose of our life is going to be; most of us feel a desire to respond to a situation, and that summons ultimately defines our life.