Theme: Bring Good News to the poor.

As we approach the Millennium, our thoughts turn to the theme of Jubilee, that biblical period of ‘letting off’. Debts were foregone, old grievances settled, friendships renewed, and it was time to rejoice for the slaves who had been made free. Christian folk have a lot to do just now.

First Reading:

Prophet Isaiah [61: 1-2, 10-11]

The King somehow was seen to sum up all the qualities of the people in his kingship. Here we have the sense of jubilee, the celebrations that marked the accession of a new king, who brings freedom for captives, good news for the sick and the poor. The fact that this is the reading from the scroll that Jesus selected when in the synagogue at Capernaum serves to underline for Christians the identification between the role of the King in Isaiah and the role of our King and Messiah Saviour, Jesus Christ and the role of his Messianic and Royal People, the Church today.

Second Reading:

Apostle Paul first Letter to the Thessalonians [ 5: 16-24]

Christians have a special reason to celebrate Eucharist - to give thanks - for the many blessings and gifts received. A special responsibility, to recognise the gifts of the Spirit in others, to keep clear of evil and await the final coming of the Lord Jesus.

Gospel Reading:

Gospel according to John [1: 6-8, 19-28]

The humble and simple life of John was his way of preparation. Can we find God in the simple things of life, or does this simplicity somehow prevent us from recognising the humble, vulnerable, inviting God appealing from the cross, or appealing to us in the poor, and humble people we may meet daily? Maybe, we too, are sent to bring good news to the poor, and freedom for those imprisoned in some way. To be a ‘voice’ crying out in the wilderness  and the desert places of modern living.