Fullerton T

16 Mar 2025

Saint Patricks Day

With the Irish all over the world we celebrate the feast of Saint Patrick who was credited with bringing the faith to the Irish nation. I often wonder what St. Patrick who drove the snakes out of Ireland would do about the modern snakes that we have in Ireland today. I imagine he would look at what was going on around him and roll up his sleeves and get on with the job of proclaiming the Gospel. Jesus tells his disciples to go and make disciples of all nations in today’s reading from Matthew, that would sound absurd if taken literally in ancient Israel.

He was a small town prophet with a rag-tag group of disciples laying claim as the son of God. His own hometown rejected him. Why would the next town pay any attention, let alone the rest of the world? And yet, 2025 years later, that great commission to preach and teach the word of God continues. Christianity has spread all across the globe to every nation. Patrick’s first trip to Ireland was when he was taken there as a slave. At age 16. For six years, he was held as a prisoner who cared for his master’s sheep. He prayed one hundred times every morning and one hundred times every evening for God’s protection. By that time he was 22 years old. He was able to escape by ship, which he rode for three days before getting off and walking for the next month. Before he was taken as a slave, again. He was able to escape once more and then finally make his way home. He then went back to Ireland. He took what could have been the worst things to ever happen to him and turned them into inspiration for his life’s work. Here we are so many years after Saint Patrick thinking about his message and how we can put it into action in our own lives and there is much to value in that message.

The spirit of St Patrick affirms the worth of each human being. His Confession invites us all to personal conversion. His message was to draw people to follow Christ in the sharing spirit of the Gospel. This mission is still an urgent one especially in today’s world were there are so many people who are experiencing a crisis of faith and many other crises as well. Saint Patrick proclaimed the message of salvation and many years later we and all the generations in between are the inheritors of faith that is the rich inheritance born of him. Today we give thanks to God for our faith and for sending St Patrick to us. It is also a day to reflect on and give thanks for the example of so many men and women who inspire us by their example. There are many things that are wrong in the world and there are many snakes out there looking to destroy what we hold as being good and honourable it is up to us to us to choose the right course; to be brave under trials; and make the Good News the hope for our salvation our message as we honour Saint Patrick on his feast day.

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15 Mar 2025

2nd Sunday of Lent

This weekend on the 2nd Sunday of Lent we think about how God is working in our lives and how we can let ourselves be transformed by the presence of . In the First Reading God promised Abram countless descendants and the land from Egypt to the Euphrates. Abram believed, and God made a covenant with him, marked by a ritual with animal sacrifices. The responsorial Psalm tells us that The Lord is our light and salvation. We seek His presence and help, trusting we will see His goodness in the land of the living. In the second reading: we are told to Imitate those who follow Christ. Many focus on earthly things and face destruction. Our citizenship is in heaven, and Jesus will transform us. Those who Stand firm in the Lord will not be shamed.

In the Gospel reading we hear about Jesus going up the mountain taking Peter James and John, with him and there they hear the voice of the Father identifying Jesus as “my beloved Son.” During Lent Jesus invites us to make a journey in fact our lives if lived in faith should be an exciting journey from the moment we arrive in the world until we get to the pearly gates when we die. During Lent we explore the great depths of God’s love for us as we try to move and live in God’s Spirit as we climb the mountain of the Lord. Every Lent our prayer and hope is to rise again from the ashes of our sins. Every year we take a journey through penance, self-discipline, prayer, and good works that lead all of us to the refreshing baptismal waters of Easter. For many members of the RCIA their journey began last Sunday in the cathedral churches and they continue the journey to their Baptism at Easter as Catechumens over the next few weeks. The Catechumens are led to the sacraments of initiation by means of the rite of election and enrolment that took place on the first Sunday of Lent then the scrutinies and catechesis follow on the Sundays of lent.

The faithful, listening more intently to the word of God and devoting themselves to prayer accompany them on their journey. Then all of us the baptised who are continuing our own faith journeys renew our baptismal promises at the Easter Masses and bless ourselves with the Easter holy water.This Sunday’s Gospel completes the ‘little parable’ formed by the Gospels of the first two Sundays of Lent. These Gospel readings tell us what Lent and the Christian life is about: that is a journey from temptation and doubt to transfiguration and faith. This is a journey that takes us away from being tempted to allowing ourselves to do good by the action of God’s Holy Spirit within us. The god who spoke to the disciples on the mountain also speaks to us and directs all of us to Jesus. The voice of the Father also instructs us to “listen to him” may we listen and take note of what he is saying and not be afraid to do what he asks of us especially during this Holy Year when we journey together as pilgrims of hope.

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08 Mar 2025

1St Sunday of Lent

On the First Sunday of Lent having placed the ashes on our heads on Ash Wednesday we have embarked on our annual time of renewal. In every area of our lives there is an ongoing need for mending, renewing and refocusing. Lent is the annual spring clean of our spiritual lives renewing our faith as a preparation for celebrating the faith giving events of Holy Week and Easter. In the first reading Moses instructs the people to offer their first fruits to God, remembering their ancestors’ journey, oppression in Egypt, and God’s deliverance and gift of the promised land. The Responsorial Psalm tells us to Trust in God, Our refuge, our stronghold who protects and rescues those who call on Him. He commands His angels to guard us and promises to be with us in trouble. In the second reading we are told to Confess that Jesus is Lord and believe God raised him, and we will be saved. There is no distinction; all who call on the Lord will be saved.

In our Gospel the reading from Luke details the temptation of Jesus in the dessert. Before Jesus set out to do his Fathers work he went out into the dessert for forty days of fasting and prayer and during this time he was tempted by the devil. The devil tempted him to use his power to take care of himself, prove his identity by performing astounding signs and make alliances with political and military powers to get himself and his message across. It is immediately after His time in the desert that Christ began His work, of proclaiming the kingdom of God. In proclaiming the message of the Kingdom Jesus gives all of us the good news of truth, hope, peace, and salvation and this enables us to live life to the full and conquer sin. As well as this there is great encouragement for all of us to know that Jesus not only shared our human nature but, like us, he was subject to temptation. In the course of our daily lives we too face temptations to put comfort and material possessions over the sacrifices involved in being a disciple. As we begin Lent we ask ourselves how do we face the temptations of life? When times get rough and we feel alone, do we still trust in God? When our life just seems empty, do we still believe in the Father who loves us? Are we willing to risk everything for the sake of the Gospel, or do we settle for guarding our own security? These are questions that all of us need to ask ourselves and Lent gives us the opportunity to do this.

God’s desire for us on this first Sunday of Lent in the Holy Year of hope is that we Come back to him with all our heart. God does not want empty words but full hearts. Hearts full of remorse for things that we shouldn’t have done; hearts full of trust as we face the realities about ourselves and our world; hearts full of love as we realize how much we are loved by those around us our families and friends, and especially loved by God; hearts full of joyful hope as we journey towards Easter. Over the next few weeks may we make good use of our Lenten journey so at the end of Lent we will be able to hear and understand the messages that Holy Week and Easter have for us renewed in heart mind and spirit and then put them into action in our own lives in the times ahead.

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04 Mar 2025

ASH WEDNESDAY

We start our annual journey of repentance and conversion for 2025 with the Ashes of Ash Wednesday. The readings and the ashes call on us to change our lives in the spirit of conversion and renewal. There is a big question for all of us as we begin lent will the ashes of today help us to realise that we should have a change of heart and mind as we seek spiritual renewal in Lent, each individual will have the answer to that question for themselves. All of us will have many opportunities to strengthen our spiritual lives during the 6 weeks of lent as we ponder what our faith really means to us as individuals and as a community. Ashes hold deep symbolism in the Church, representing both our mortality and the need for repentance. This powerful symbol finds its roots in the Scriptures, where ashes were used as a sign of mourning and repentance. In the Old Testament, ashes were often associated with expressions of grief and sorrow. Job, for example, sat in ashes as a sign of his deep mourning and repentance before God.

The prophet Daniel also fasted and covered himself in ashes as a way of seeking God’s mercy and forgiveness for the sins of his people. These practices served as a visible reminder of our need to turn away from sin and return to God. On Ash Wednesday, we receive ashes on our foreheads as a sign of our own personal need of conversion and renewal of heart and spirit. As the priest or minister applies the ashes, they say the words, “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” This solemn reminder prompts us to reflect on the brevity of life and the importance of living in accordance with God’s will. The ashes are a call to return to god and let go of the things that hinder our relationship with God and embrace a life of holiness.

In the First Reading –Joel 2:12-18: The Lord urges a heartfelt return to him with fasting and repentance, highlighting His gracious and compassionate nature, Slow to anger abounding in love. A communal fast is called, involving everyone, with priests pleading for mercy, leading to God’s compassionate response as he had mercy on the people. In The Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 51 we hear that each person in acknowledging their own sinfulness, implores God’s mercy. As all of us seek a renewed heart and spirit, with God’s presence in our lives and the restoration of the joy found in salvation. The Second Reading tells us that we are called to be reconciled with God. Christ bore our sins to make us righteous as we Embrace God’s grace, for now is the time of salvation. As ambassadors of Christ we are called to be reconciled to him and through this reconciliation we are called to be reconciled to one another.

In the Gospel reading from Matthew Jesus emphasizes the importance of sincerity in the practice of faith. He advised against performing acts of charity, prayer, and fasting for public admiration, as such actions lack true spiritual value. Instead, he encouraged discreet and private expressions of faith, assuring that God, who sees everything that is done in a quiet prayerful way, will duly reward genuine devotion. Lent is all about moving forward in a spirit of conversion and prayerful return to god that is the spirit of metanoia. So the Church asks us at the beginning of Lent to renew our own lives through the great spiritual works of prayer, fasting and almsgiving, and to listen to Jesus’ advice in today’s Gospel. On ash Wednesday the ashes are a call for us to change our lives and how we live them. We begin our journey for lent 2025 and we receive the ashes as a sign that we are willing to return to god who says return to me with all your heart and we do that in a special way during this holy year of hope.

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01 Mar 2025

8Th Sunday of ordinary time

Next week we begin the season of Lent with the Ashes on Ash Wednesday and we begin our annual journey of repentance and conversion for 2025 as pilgrims of hope. All of us will have many opportunities to strengthen our spiritual lives over the 6 weeks of lent as we ponder what our faith really means to us as individuals and as a community. We also continue our prayers for the health and wellbeing of Pope Francis.

In the First Reading this Sunday we are told that a persons speech reveals their faults and true character. Do not praise someone before hearing them speak as this is the test of men. The Responsorial Psalm is Psalm 91 and we hear that It is good to thank and praise the Lord, whose kindness and faithfulness are constant. We are also told that the righteous flourish and bear fruit, proclaiming God’s justice and reliability to those around them. In our Second Reading we are told that Through Jesus, we have victory over death. Again we are called to be steadfast and devoted to the Lord’s work, knowing all we do is not in vain even though sometimes it might look that way for in the Lord we do not labour in vain.

This Sunday in our Gospel Reading Jesus is coming to the end of what, in Luke, is called the “Sermon on the Plain”. He has instructed his disciples to love their enemies, turn the other cheek, treat others as they would want to be treated, not judge them, etc. Jesus is the wise person teaching the disciples a practical wisdom on how to live their lives as his disciples. Jesus says, in summary, a person’s words and actions will reveal their character. The Gospel tells us There is no sound tree that produces rotten fruit, nor again a rotten tree that produces sound fruit. For every tree can be told by its own fruit: people do not pick figs from thorns, nor gather grapes from brambles. A good man draws what is good from the store of goodness in his heart; a bad man draws what is bad from the store of badness. For a man’s words flow out of what fills his heart.’ God’s love is effective, it produces good fruit for the benefit of others. The good we do is the way to spread the faith to others. Jesus sends us to be witnesses to the faith we profess to practice what we preach in all we do and say. Jesus words to us in this weekend’s gospel show his concern for the integrity and quality of our lives. We cannot, he says, teach others if we ourselves are not witnesses to what we teach. There are many people out there who were witnesses to the truth of the gospel who have turned away and betrayed the truth and become rotten fruit. Lent is the time to renew our selves in terms of faith so that we are able to move forward in the certain knowledge and hope of being true witnesses to the faith. Lent is all about moving forward in a spirit of conversion and prayerful return the spirit of metanoia.

During Lent we are provided with many opportunities for spiritual renewal but that will be for the weeks ahead. But for now let us stop and reflect on the good we do for others and how that becomes a way of bringing the faith to the people where they are. As we continue our journey as pilgrims of hope we remember that God’s love is effective, and it produces good fruit for the benefit of others and we are called to show gods love through all we do and say for one another.

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22 Feb 2025

7th Sunday ir Ordinary Time

We pray this weekend for the well being of our Holy Father Pope Francis as he remains in hospital. The readings for this Sunday teach us about mercy, forgiveness, and love. These themes show us how to live like Jesus in our everyday lives. The readings call us to live a hope filled life of mercy, just like David showed mercy to Saul in the first reading. Mercy means choosing kindness over revenge. It means forgiving others, even when it is hard. The First Reading from the first book of Samuel tells us that David, finding Saul asleep, refuses to harm him, saying it’s wrong to strike the lord’s anointed. He takes Saul’s spear and jug, proving his mercy and faithfulness from afar. The Second Reading 1 Corinthians tells us that The first Adam was earthly, the last Adam (Christ) is a life-giving spirit. We, once earthly, will transform to bear the likeness of the heavenly man.

This weekend we think about the things the Lord asks us to do in following Him, nothing is more difficult that the teaching “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. To the person who strikes you on one cheek, offer the other one as well, and from the person who takes your cloak, do not withhold even your tunic. Give to everyone who asks of you, and from the one who takes what is yours do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you It is much easier to sacrifice our wants for the needs of others, then it is to avoid lashing out at someone but that is what Jesus is calling us to do. The point of this kind of prophetic speech by Jesus is to stimulate his audience (and us) to reflect on the whole pattern of behaviour in human relationships. Jesus is not really suggesting rules to be followed literally in certain circumstances. Rather, we are being invited to reflect on how we can respond to unreasonable demands and personal injuries with nothing but generosity and abandoning all claims to retribution and restitution. What we are talking about in this Gospel is not some ethical system for the good of society or for our own self-interest but something way beyond this.

What Jesus gives us is the very principle behind the creation of the universe: God’s infinite love for us all. This is the extraordinary challenge that he lays before us: To love the people around us just as he loves us, just as he loves them. It is not easy and we won’t achieve it often but we know that this is what God wants from us and it is something that deep in our hearts we are glad to do. The way God treats us should be the guideline for our life as Christians. God is infinitely compassionate and merciful, he is extraordinarily patient with our many shortcomings and he puts up with all sorts of foolishness on our part. What Jesus is suggesting are responses to insults and injuries which break cycles of violent retaliation and provide pathways to peace and reconciliation. By doing this, Jesus says, we can allow the utter generosity of God to shine through us. Doing good only to those who do good to us is not enough to convey the generosity and welcome of God. Only acting with overwhelming generosity and compassion allows the mercy, generosity and compassion with which God meets each of us to be clearly seen in concrete actions It is our task as a true disciple to imitate our master, to imitate the behaviour of God himself. In the words of Micah this is what God asks of us: only this, to act justly, to love tenderly and to walk humbly with our God.

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15 Feb 2025

6th Sunday in Ordinary Time

The readings for this Sunday focus on blessings, as exemplified in the Beatitudes. They challenge traditional ideas of blessings by highlighting the blessedness of those who are poor, hungry, those who weep and those who are persecuted while affirming the hope and rewards found in trusting God. In the First Reading Jeremiah tells us that all those who put their trust in people are like barren bushes in the desert. He also tell us that those who trust in the Lord are like fruitful trees by the water that produce much fruit. The Second Reading from Corinthians tells us that If Christ is not raised, our faith is useless and we remain in sin. But Christ is risen, the first of those who have died the first fruits of all who have fallen asleep and he is the foundation of our faith and the reason for our Hope.

Over the next two Sundays the Gospel reading is from the “Sermon on the Plain,” a parallel to Matthew’s “Sermon on the Mount.” While similar, both evangelists are writing for different audiences. How many in the crowd who heard Jesus were attracted to the good news he was sharing? Did they become his disciples too? Did what he said change their notion of God? Have the beatitudes changed us? After listing the four situations in life that make people blessed, Luke then lists their opposites, declaring the “woes.” The word for “blessed” is not a description of happiness as we know it; but is a gift bestowed by God. You don’t earn the blessings; you just need them and God notices. Those who have nothing no material wealth, or food, who are weeping and hated, because of Jesus, will receive God’s favour. St. Luke addressed his gospel to the downtrodden and the lowly. He sees the tremendous value that the poor have because they recognize that all they have comes from God, they are generous with others as they know that God will provide for them if they give the little they have to those who have greater needs then themselves. St. Luke also quotes Jesus as saying, “Woe to the rich.” Jesus is not concerned with the amount of money a person has. He’s concerned with the false sense of security that money and possessions often give people and we see that in todays crazy world.

Many people are tempted to trust in their material possessions and wealth instead of trusting God. Riches and the comforts of the world can leave us in the spiritual wilderness. The beatitudes call us to a better way of living and they call us to live our lives for others in accordance with the Gospel values and, in this way we will be blessed in the eyes of God. We will not end up as famous or wealthy people but we will most definitely end up as people who are appreciated by others known for the lives we lead as people who have the faith filled attitude of the Beatitudes.

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08 Feb 2025

5th Sunday in Ordinary Time

This Sunday we celebrate the 5^th Sunday in Ordinary time and we remember and pray for all those who are sick as we celebrate the world day for the Sick on 11^th February. We ask God through the intercession of Our Lady of Lourdes to bless our sick and all those who look after them. The 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time readings highlight important themes. These themes help us understand our faith and God’s call in our lives. In the First Reading from Isaiah Isaiah saw the Lord on His throne, felt unworthy, but was cleansed by a seraphim. When God asked for a messenger, Isaiah offered to go. In the Responsorial Psalm I will thank and praise God for His kindness and truth. He answers me and gives me strength. All will praise Him for His great glory and enduring kindness.

The Second Reading from Corinthians tells us that Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose on the third day. Saint Paul says He appeared to many, including me. By God’s grace, I preach, and you believed. Our Gospel story for this Sunday recounts the story of the of Peter’s calling to be a fisher of men. After a fruitless night’s fishing, Peter obeys the word of Jesus and catches a huge number of fish. He feels unworthy before Jesus; but he is now called to be a fisher of men. Peter recognises the hand of God in what has happened and at the same time realises his own sinfulness but Jesus comes to show us the mercy of his Father. Jesus did not come to be a hermit with an unreachable address in the desert; rather, his whole mission moves in the opposite direction, for he has come “to seek out and save the lost” (Luke 19:10). So Jesus travels into our lives not away from them. He entertains sinners he enters their homes, meets their families, eats at their table, listens to their stories, and calls all of us to a new way of life when he says follow me. Throughout his life Jesus is never far from sinners he is not far from all of us as well for are sinners too. Jesus doesn’t write us off because we are sinners; Jesus has other plans because he knows that we sinners have a future, not just a past. Simon Peter received his call while he was doing his work. He said, “Yes,” and responded by changing his life.

Every day, in the midst of our routines, at work, home, school there are opportunities to respond to Jesus’ call to follow him. In innumerable ways our Christian vocation must guide what we say and what we do. In all our decisions big and small, we are asked to live what we profess as Jesus’ followers; to be attentive to what God may be asking of us at that moment of our lives. This may entail being faithful to the commitments we already have; responding to a need we see, or taking the opportunity to witness to what we believe. Our responses may seem small and insignificant. They may be small, but they are never insignificant! In addition, who knows where the next “Yes” we say to Christ may lead us? Our call as disciples is not only to personal holiness but also to partnership with Christ in transforming the world with words and actions of justice, peace, integrity, forgiveness, mercy, tolerance, hope and love. We must allow ourselves to be caught and taught by Jesus. The response that is asked for, is to be prepared to give up everything in our quest to know Jesus. In spite of our sense of sinfulness, unworthiness and lack of faith in ourselves, we are called to trust in God’s choice of us and in God’s faith in us who are his beloved daughters and sons.

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31 Jan 2025

The Presentation of the Lord

The Feast of the Presentation of the Lord is an ancient celebration in the Church. It is also called Candlemas because, on this day, candles are blessed in many parishes. The feast is celebrated on February 2^nd forty days after Christmas. It recalls the day when Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the Temple in Jerusalem to present Him to God. This event is rooted in Jewish tradition. According to the Law of Moses, every firstborn son belonged to God. Jewish parents were to bring their son to the Temple and offer a small sacrifice in thanksgiving. By bringing Jesus to the Temple, Mary and Joseph followed God’s law faithfully. This act shows their humility and obedience to God.

The Church has celebrated the Presentation of the Lord for many centuries. In the early Church, people gathered in the evening for a candlelit procession, honouring Christ as the Light. February 2, exactly 40 days after Christmas, was chosen because of this tradition in Jewish law. It also marks the end of the Christmas season for some Catholic communities. In the First Reading the text, taken from the Prophet Malachi tells us, “I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me; and suddenly there will come to the temple the Lord who you seek” (Mal 3:1). From the Gospels, we know that the precursor was John the Baptist who was born 6 months before Jesus, we also know that God sent John to prepare His way. So, soon after the Baptist’s birth, God entered His temple. Jesus’ presentation signifies God’s entrance to His temple. God made man entered the temple, presenting Himself to those who were really searching for Him. In the Gospel reading from Luke we are introduced to different people and events that in themselves provide numerous pointers for reflection. First of all, Mary and Joseph respect the Mosaic Law by offering the sacrifice prescribed for the poor: a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons. Simeon and Anna were two venerable elderly people dedicated to prayer and fasting their strong religious spirit rendered them able to recognize the Messiah when they saw him.

Simeon blessed God and said “Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you prepared in the sight of all the peoples: a light to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel.” We are familiar with the beautiful symbolism associated with light. Light in the spiritual sense means Christ and the supernatural life of grace. The Presentation of the Lord connects the Old Covenant with the New. In the Old Covenant, people followed the law to be close to God. But Jesus brings the New Covenant, where people are saved by faith in Him as the Son of God and what he teaches. By being presented in the Temple, Jesus shows respect for the Old Covenant while also opening a new way for the people to follow. In the Presentation of the Lord, we see that Jesus came to bring light, hope, and salvation to the world. Through Mary and Joseph’s faithfulness, Jesus’ mission begins humbly but with great purpose. This feast invites us to embrace the light of Jesus and to trust in His saving plan for us and for the world. It also prompts us to ask ourselves how can we, as the Body of Christ be Light and Hope for others especially in the darkness of our current times.

We are also invited to present ourselves to God, offering our lives in joyful hope filled service and love. We remember the call to live as “children of the light,” walking in hope, faith and trust lighting the path for those around us to follow the god of hope and joy.

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24 Jan 2025

3rd Sunday of Ordinary Time

This Sunday we celebrate the 3^rd Sunday of ordinary time as well as Word of God Sunday. Today’s readings make an unmistakable directive that we are to seek joy that comes from faith. They provide insight to how we are to go about instilling joy into our the core of our being. In our first reading from Nehemiah, we find ourselves at the Feast of Tabernacles at a time of true revival. God had intervened and had brought the Israelites back to Jerusalem. Not only had they returned home from captivity in Babylon, but God had miraculously provided all the resources needed to rebuild the temple and the walls of the inner city. In the Psalm we are reminded again of the power of God’s Word as it “refreshes the soul”. His Words bring “Spirit and Life.” They provide “rejoicing to the heart,” “enlightenment”, a “fear of the Lord which is pure, enduring forever”.

All of these reminders point us to God’s Holy Word, which is the ultimate source of the overflowing joy we need to not only rejoice, but to effectively point others to our Lord and Savior the reason for the hope and joy that is within us. In our Second Reading from 1 Corinthians, we see how our joy is to be lived out. We are reminded that our church the body of Christ is made up of many unique individuals, all with unique talents & purposes. We are instructed that there can be no divisions, but rather shared concern for one another. True joy is found only when we focus upon others, allowing our joy to flow into their lives both in their good times and their challenges. In the Gospels for this Sunday and next, Luke tells the story of Jesus’ visit to his hometown of Nazareth. Luke wants to make very clear to his readers what drives Jesus the Prophet from Galilee and what is the goal of his action. We as Christians need to know in what direction the Spirit pushes Jesus, since following him means that we are walking down the same path as he did and often times it will be in opposition to what is going on in the world. With the Spirit poured upon him at his baptism, Jesus would proclaim freedom for captives, sight for the blind, and help for those who are oppressed. When Jesus spoke, hearts and minds turned to God and health of mind, body and spirit were restored.

There is an immediate life implication in this gospel passage that is easy to overlook and that is the Spirit of the Lord came upon Jesus and the Church in order to bring the good news of hope and joy to us and we are called to bring it to the people of our time and place. The “today” of Jesus that the Gospel speaks about is not only the day he was speaking. It is our “today” as well here right where we are in 2025. As pilgrims of hope in this Holy Year we are called to bring the joy of Christ that we have as people of faith into the lives of others. Wherever we are that is our challenge it is the challenge of hope filled joyful people who proclaim freedom for captives, sight for the blind, and help for those who are oppressed.

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