Fr. Downey's Devotions

This weekend we hear how Jesus' Home-Town folks listened with rapt
attention to Him, expecting one thing but getting another. He startles them
with a seeming rebuke that "no prophet or servant of God can receive
honor among his own people." Furthermore, He angers them when He
compliments the Gentiles who seem to have shown more faith in God
than the "chosen ones" of Israel! They regarded Gentiles as the lowest of
the low and "fuel for the fire of hell". Jesus' praise for "outsiders", for the
Gentiles, caused them offense because they were blind-sighted to God's
mercy and plan of redemption for all Nations, and just didn't want to hear it.
The word "gospel" literally means "good news". Isaiah had prophesied that
the Messiah would come in the power of God the Holy Spirit to bring
freedom to those oppressed by sin and affliction (see Isaiah 61:1-2).
Jesus came to set all people free from the worst tyranny possible – the
tyranny of slavery to sin and the eternal destruction of both body and soul.
God's power alone can save us from emptiness and spiritual poverty; from
confusion and error, and from the fear of death and hopelessness.
The Gospel of Salvation is "good news" indeed for us today! We must ask
ourselves if we personally know the joy and freedom of the Gospel of
Jesus Christ!? Let us pray: "Lord Jesus, You are the fulfillment of all our
hopes and desires. You alone bring us grace, truth, life, and freedom.
Fill me with the joy of the Gospel and inflame my heart with love and zeal
for You and for Your Holy Will." Amen.
                                                                                                    Fr. Downey