Dear Friends:

In today’s Gospel we are struck by the angry response of the people to Jesus’ claim that he has come to fulfill the prophecy of Isaiah. The life-giving truth that Jesus has to tell is not accepted in his hometown. At first the listeners are amazed by Jesus’ words. But they soon begin to question Jesus’ claim asking, “Is not this Joseph’s son?” Jesus makes the point that no prophet is accepted in the prophet’s hometown. In this passage Luke presents a basic truth about the prophetic ministry of Jesus. In reaching out to the Gentiles who are most in need of salvation, Jesus encountered resistance from his fellow Jews. But Jesus endured and continued steadfastly on his way. The point is that all followers of Christ are called to make what is often the unpopular choice of standing up for the outcast in the face of opposition. This is the baptismal call of the prophet. To persevere and rely on the power of God.