Today’s Scripture Readings

Gospel Reading

NRSV

— 14 Then Jesus, filled with the power of the Spirit, returned to Galilee, and a report about him spread through all the surrounding country. He began to teach in their synagogues and was praised by everyone. — 16 When he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, he went to the synagogue on the sabbath day, as was his custom. He stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written: ‘The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.’ And he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. Then he began to say to them, ‘Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.’ All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth. They said, ‘Is not this Joseph’s son?’

Today’s Gospel is one of my favourites. It is a powerful moment in Jesus’ life, and the lives of all who heard His words as He boldly declares who He is and why He has come. His words hold such promise for those in need! Good news for the poor. Release to the captives. Sight for the blind. Freedom for the oppressed. A year of the Lord’s favour.

As I sit here at the beginning of 2026, filled with hopes and dreams for the new year, but also carrying challenges and pain from last year, I imagine being there hearing Jesus speak those words. If I am being honest, today I am in need of good news, as there are parts of my life that need to be set free, and the promise of a year of favour feels like breathing again as hope awakens within me.

Are you weary today? Hear the Lord promise good news. Are you weighed down with worry and fear, struggling to see your way through the darkeness? Hear Jesus proclaim sight to the blind. Do you feel caught up in a long litany of “shoulds” as you begin a new year, hear the one who knows you best, and loves you most, declare that this is a year of favour!

He is with us – in the mess, in the busyness, in the new and the old, the joy and the pain, the struggle and the victory – this is a year of the Lord’s favour and we are not alone.

“Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing”. (Luke 4:22) Amen, Amen – let it be so Lord!