by Shelley Byrnes
Then Jesus, filled with the power of the Spirit, returned to Galilee, and a report about him spread through all the surrounding country. He began to teach in their synagogues and was praised by everyone.
When he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, he went to the synagogue on the sabbath day, as was his custom. He stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written:
‘The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
because he has anointed me
to bring good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives
and recovery of sight to the blind,
to let the oppressed go free,
to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.’And he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. Then he began to say to them, ‘Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.’
Luke 4:14-21
Public speaking is a very common fear for people. I don’t imagine it was for Jesus, but I love that the Spirit came upon him as he headed to Galilee. Of course it would be more difficult to do his work in his home! (My mother still goes to another massage therapist even though she has a daughter who is an excellent therapist!) I love that the power of the Spirit came upon Jesus so he could bring good news to the poor, proclaim release to the captives, and recovery of sight to the blind, etc.
As a follower of Jesus, I feel my calling is to do as he did. It is comforting that if God calls me to do something hard, the Spirit will come upon me so I can do the things I am called to do. I never have to do anything on my own.
Shooting Star – Dodecatheon meadia
These photographs, shared each day during Lent, capture the beauty of plants native to the Upper Midwest. As we spend time in Lenten reflection, these images of new life can remind us daily of our calling to be caretakers of God’s Creation.
Photo by Jo Anna Hebberger
