1/21/2010
Recapturing our Galilean springtime
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 | Mary Jo Tully
Chancellor, Archdiocese of Portland |
Third Sunday in Ordinary Time
Nehemiah 8:2-4a,5-6,8-10
1 Corinthians 12:12-30 or 12:12-14,27
Luke 1:1-4; 4:14-21
Language is an expression of our experience. Although the followers of Jesus did not know the word “honeymoon,” they did have an expression for that time of harmony that characterizes the early time in any relationship between individuals of good will. They called it a “Galilean springtime.”
Today’s Gospel tells about an occasion in the midst of Jesus’ Galilean springtime. It is a time when Jesus’ disciples did not understand his mission but marveled at his deeds. Their sentiments are caught up in a simple phrase. “He taught in their synagogues and was praised by all,” Luke tells us. It’s an experience that many people in leadership experience. This is certainly true of Church leadership. It is probably the reason that most pastors do not make any significant changes in their parishes for the first year. The relationship is given the opportunity to thrive in a period of goodwill. But events happen and issues arise and a world of values emerges.
In the Lucan theme, Jesus’ choice of a text was a turning point. It marks the end of the Galilean Springtime and that same message sometimes causes an end to the honeymoon in the relationship of those who proclaim Christ’s message and those who hear it.
God’s grace is unconditional and Jesus is sent, first of all, to proclaim good news to the poor — to those who recognize their dependence upon God for everything. In other words, the poor can claim special treatment. This, by the way, is echoed in the statement of the bishops of the United States announcing a “preferential option for the poor.”
The generosity of people of faith can be clearly seen in their response to the tragedy in Haiti. The earthquake victims were in our midst. Every form of media covered the event and we responded in unparalleled ways. No one would ever object to the call to reach out to the poor in Haiti.
It is more difficult to speak about the Gospel that extends to the unseen poor and vulnerable—the unborn, the hungry, the impoverished, those without healthcare, the elderly, the isolated, the unborn. The cost of reaching out to them might mean the loss of popularity and an ideological separation. Nonetheless, the message is clear: “The Lord sends us to bring glad tidings to the poor, and to proclaim liberty to captives.”
Today’s Gospel reminds us of the Gospel imperative to care for those with whom Christ most closely identified. It isn’t easy. It isn’t popular but the footsteps of Christ lead through difficult paths.
We give thanks and praise to the Father who sent his Son to show us the way.
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