1The Lord God’s spirit is upon me,
because the Lord has anointed me.
He has sent me
to bring good news to the poor,
to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim release for captives,
and liberation for prisoners,
2 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor
and a day of vindication for our God,
to comfort all who mourn,
3 to provide for Zion’s mourners,
to give them a crown in place of ashes,
oil of joy in place of mourning,
a mantle of praise in place of discouragement.
They will be called Oaks of Righteousness,
planted by the Lord to glorify himself.
4 They will rebuild the ancient ruins;
they will restore formerly deserted places;
they will renew ruined cities,
places deserted in generations past.
Reflection
This text holds a special place in our hearts and history because Luke’s gospel tells us that Jesus chose it for his very first sermon (see Luke 4:14–21).
When we read Isaiah’s words, it’s tempting to think such a high calling belongs to the prophets alone. Who are we to bring good news to the poor, or healing to the brokenhearted, or release to the captives? That was fine for Isaiah—or for Jesus—but what does it have to do with us?
But that misses the point.
When Jesus stands up in the synagogue and reads these verses, then declares, “Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing,” he isn’t only saying, “I came to do this.” He’s saying, “This is what my people will do.” Later in Luke’s gospel, he sends out the Twelve. Then he sends out the seventy-two. And he gives them the same work: to heal, to cast out demons, to proclaim good news to the poor and to all who live in fear.
We let ourselves off the hook when we think this calling is only for the prophets, or only for Jesus, or only for the especially holy. But this mission belongs to all of us.
This is what we’re here for.
by Joe Monahan
For Pondering and Prayer
How can you bring hope to someone today?
Prayer: God of justice and mercy, you have anointed us with your Spirit and called us to continue the work that Christ began. Open our eyes to the needs around us, and give us the courage to act with compassion, boldness, and love. Let the good news come alive through us. Amen.
