The Joy of the Lord is my Strength

Neh. 8:2-6.8-10, I Cor. 12:12-14.27, Lk 1:1-4.4:14-21. Today, the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, we rejoice in the Good News of Salvation which Christ brings to us. In our first reading, Nehemiah gathered the people of Israel and read the good news to them after they had worked together to achieve their goal and freedom. After listening and meditating on the word of God, the people echoed “Amen!” In the second reading, Paul encourages us to remain united and work together as one body of Christ. To achieve this goal, everyone must be considered important. There must be reconciliation, understanding, sincerity and mutual respect for one another. While in today’s Gospel, Luke narrates his own “solid and ordered account” of the events about Christ to “Theophilus.” This Greek name simply means “seeker of God”.

The good news is meant for all of us who seek God with sincerity. Today, Jesus presents His mission as the fulfilment of the prophecy of Isaiah 61:1-2: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me to bring good news to the poor, to proclaim liberty to captives, to proclaim the Lord’s year of favour…”  This prophecy was made when Israelites lived in slavery and misery in exile. So, by using these same words as the basis of His ministry and mission, Christ announced His reign of peace, justice, freedom and love to all those suffering from all kinds of oppressions and injustice. Like Nehemiah, Christ proclaims the good news of the new era to all of us.

May the joy of the Lord continue to be our strength! Amen!! Good morning and happy Sunday!!!