When Jesus began His ministry, according to St Luke, He was everywhere well-received and praised and His reputation spread throughout the countryside. He usually went to the synagogue on the Sabbath where on the occasion recounted in today's Gospel, He was asked to read. He picked out the start of chapter 61of the Book of Isaiah, where the prophet describes his commission from God to bring consolation to His people. Having finished the reading, Jesus then said that this prophecy was being fulfilled that very day as people listened to Him. And everyone was impressed and moved by His words. He was claiming to be the messenger of God, the anointed one bringing the good news.

What exactly did He say, how did He 'prove' the prophecy was being fulfilled ? What is this fulfillment of the prophecy, in my own time and place? Where now is Jesus proclaiming good news to the poor, freedom to those in captivity, new sight for the blind, release for those who are downtrodden ? Rejoice and praise the Lord for the many faces in which Jesus works now, and pray for those who are carrying His word to people in need, all sorts and kinds of needs. And then reflect on oneself: What my contribution is, what part I play in this ongoing work of Christ in His church, the fulfilling all around me of that prophecy of consolation.