January 7, 2010
Christmas Weekday
We love because he first loved us. If anyone says, "I love God," but hates his brother, he is a liar; for whoever does not love a brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. This is the commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother. 1 John 4:19-21
"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord." Rolling up the scroll, he handed it back to the attendant and sat down, and the eyes of all in the synagogue looked intently at him. He said to them, "Today this scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing." Luke 4:18-22
Piety
The LORD is my shepherd; there is nothing I lack. In green pastures you let me graze; to safe waters you lead me; you restore my strength. You guide me along the right path for the sake of your name. Even when I walk through a dark valley, I fear no harm for you are at my side; your rod and staff give me courage. You set a table before me as my enemies watch; You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Only goodness and love will pursue me all the days of my life; I will dwell in the house of the LORD for years to come.
Study
God is not up in heaven looking down on us like a mystical Santa Claus. God is right here, living among us. Jesus will often say he seeks not sacrifices and holocausts. Instead, he wants us to live with each other and to love each other as if that is how we are treating him.
The image of Jesus getting anointed metaphysically in today’s Gospel story from Luke parallels the story of Jesus getting anointed with perfumed oil by Mary when he was in
Whether at the beginning of his ministry (as in Luke) or near the end, Jesus is anointed to symbolize the introduction of the divine influence on his life or to call down God’s protection and favor upon him while he carries out God mission.
This passage from Luke in today’s gospel clearly calls us “to bring glad tidings to the poor,” “proclaim liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord.”
Action
Are we ready to treat the poor with the same love that Mary showed to Jesus, pouring out the perfumed oil on his feet?
The Church also anoints us at baptism and confirmation. When we celebrate these sacraments, we are called to go out into the world and profess the Good News. We do that as much by our actions as by our words.
What have you been anointed to do and to proclaim? The New Year is a time for resolutions. Many times such resolutions are centered on self-improvement. However, have you made any externally directed resolutions? Have you included increasing your charity and volunteer work in the resolutions you are considering for the year?
