Good News to the Poor: Embracing Jesus Mission (26th January 2025 Sermon)

Jesus return to Nazareth marks a pivotal moment. He enters the synagogue and reads from Isaiah, proclaiming his anointing by the Spirit to preach good news to the poor, proclaim freedom for the prisoners, recovery of sight for the blind, and release the oppressed. This wasn’t merely a reading, but a declaration. “Today,” Jesus announces, “this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” With this bold statement, Jesus reveals his messianic identity and inaugurates his ministry, setting the stage for the transformative work he would perform. This passage serves as a powerful reminder of Jesus mission to bring liberation and hope to the marginalized, a mission empowered by the Holy Spirit and relevant for us even today.