Tom Wright, the former Anglican bishop of Durham in England notes, that when Jesus preached, people tried to stone him or throw him off 400m high cliffs. When Tom preaches, the church ladies might offer to make him cups of tea! I join Tom in wondering what I’m doing wrong. when no one even offers to make me a cup of tea, let alone stone me or throw me off a cliff.
Jesus is a prophet of grace. He speaks words of grace – but that is inclusive. Last week he read from Isaiah 61 – announcing a year of the Lord’s favour – that he was anointed to bring freedom to captives, good news to the poor, new sight to the blind, freedom to the downtrodden. Jesus announced a year of favour – but now he said this was for those people – the other ones. He gives the examples of Elijah + Elisha who go and minister to despised foreigners. No! Off to Mt Precipice.
- Fourth Sunday in Year C
- First Reading ‡ Jeremiah 1:4-5.17-19 I have appointed you as prophet to the nations.
- Responsorial ‡ Psalm 70:1-6.15.17 I will sing of your salvation.
- Second Reading [longer form] ‡ 1 Corinthians 12:31-13:13 There are three things that last: faith, hope and love; and the greatest of these is love.
- Gospel ‡ Luke 4:21-30 Jesus, like Elijah and Elisha, was not sent only to the Jews.
- Play MP3
- Watch video
- Article referred to during the homily, Robert Mickens, the First Gay Pope
