Wednesday, January 22, 2025  

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Today's Scripture
Luke 4:14–21

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. 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 favor.” 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.” (NRSV)

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Reflection

A Jesus Thought Experiment:

Imagine yourself: Sitting in one of Fourth Presbyterian Church’s wooden pews on Sunday morning, the choir having just sung the “Alleluia” anthem, a low murmur permeates the congregation as one of its members walks toward the Sanctuary lectern.

Focus on scripture reader: A young woman named “Grace,” who grew up in the church, who you watched sing in the Cherub Choir years ago, who spent nights at youth lock-ins and served meals to those who are hungry at Monday Night Suppers, who you thought was on a walk-about exploring the world outside Chicago, stands before the congregation, the Bible in front of her opened to Isaiah 61.

The words Grace reads sink in: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor, proclaim release to the captives, recovery of sight to the blind, set free those who are oppressed, proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”

How do you react?

Incredulity — Unable to reconcile the girl you watched grow up — the one who played Ghosts in the Belfry and who could name only half of the Old Testament books at her Confirmation — now claim to be the fulfillment of God’s prophecy.
Hope — Could the long-awaited Messiah really be here? Could she be Grace? What a thrill that God chose our city, our church, our Grace for such a monumental task.
Meh — Your eyes open slightly as you hear a low congregational buzz, you re-close your eyes because “Sermon” comes next in the worship bulletin, and this is your nap time.

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Prayer
Dear God, please keep my heart open to the surprising ways you — and grace — work through the ordinary. May I never resist your bold call because it feels too close, too disruptive, too radical. Amen.

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Written by Phil Calian, Member of Fourth Presbyterian Church

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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