Third Sunday in Ordinary Time
† Sunday 21st January 2001
Cycle of Prayer : The Octave of Prayer for Christian Unity

Theme: Good News proclaimed to the Poor.

The Prophet Nehemiah 8 : 2 - 6, 8 - 10
“In the presence of the old men and women, and children old enough to understand” the whole community assemble to hear the Word of God, the Torah, and to have it proclaimed to them by the prophet, “all the people listened attentively…” Just one of many occasions in the Old Testament when the people assemble to hear the words of God. This time the reading provokes tears, for the people realise that they have not been faithful to the Law given them, they’ve failed to keep the Sabbath holy, failed to share their food with the poor or the stranger in their midst. The prophet encourages them, “Go eat the fat, drink the sweet wine and send a portion to the man who has nothing…do not be sad, for this day is sacred to the Lord.”

First Letter of Paul to the Corinthians 12 : 12 - 30
The example of the human body is apt for a reading which also marks the Octave of Prayer for Christian Unity. The very diversity of the human body and its many parts is rooted in unity. In our case, the different members all share a common existence in Christ. “In the one Spirit we were all baptised, Jews as well as Greeks, slaves as well as citizens, and one Spirit was given to us all.”

Gospel according to Luke 1: 1 - 4; 4 : 14 - 21
The first section of this reading today, gives us the evangelist’s intention and purpose in writing the gospel. It is worth careful study.
The rest of the text today introduces Jesus in the synagogue as the ‘Teacher’. Just as in the first reading today, Jesus himself now stands in the midst of the assembly to proclaim from the scriptures. Quoting from the ancient prophecies of Isaiah , Jesus says, “The spirit of the Lord has been given to me…to bring the Good news to the poor, to proclaim liberty to captives, to the blind new sight…to proclaim the Lord’s year of favour.” Then Jesus sat down and began to speak to them, “This text is being fulfilled today even as you listen.” This is Jesus the Teacher speaking as one with authority.