Proclaiming Liberty and Freedom

Homily for Thursday after the Epiphany

The Gospel passages from the infancy narratives of the Gospels of St. Matthew and St. Luke are not long enough to fill the Christmas Season. Consequently, the Church chooses to use scenes from his adult life that reveal the motivation behind God’s choice to become one of us. Today’s Gospel text from the Gospel of St. Luke references a particular prophecy from the prophet of consolation; namely, Isaiah.

As we consider the words of Jesus in the synagogue of Nazareth, we readily understand that Jesus gave sight to the blind and that his preferred audience for preaching was that of the simple and poor people of the region of Galilee. St. Luke, however, goes out of his way to show that Jesus also proclaimed liberty to captives and let the oppressed go free. It is only in his Gospel that we hear the story of the so-called good thief who is crucified with Jesus. He asks that Jesus remember him when Jesus comes into his kingdom. At these words, Jesus tells the man that he would be with him in paradise that very day. He was granted true liberty and freedom through his confession of guilt and his prayer as he hung on the cross.

The glad tidings and good news announced and proclaimed in this Gospel story still resonates through our own personal reality. The Gospel has the power to change hearts, to lift up those who are bowed down, and to heal those who are brokenhearted.

As we come to the altar today to receive the body and blood of Jesus, let our eyes be fixed firmly on Jesus, the Word made flesh, and let our hearts be filled with amazement at the graciousness and love that God continues to bestow upon all of creation.