ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
June 20, 2025
Jesus read these words from the Prophet Isaiah,
“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…” (Luke 4:18)
These words were offered as Jesus was visiting the synagogue in Nazareth. Though he was quoting an ancient text, the opening declaration about the Spirit of the Lord being upon him would have caught the attention of those in the synagogue. The Spirit rested upon those whom God was calling to do great things—prophets, teachers, healers, and priests were among those who felt called and empowered by the Spirit. This portion of Luke comes early in the earthly ministry of Jesus, but at the end of John’s Gospel, we read how Jesus breathed on his disciples and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” The same Spirit that animated the gifts of Jesus at the beginning of his work now animates our gifts so that we can be the prophets, teachers, healers, and priests. The presence of God in the form of the Spirit makes that happen.
Holy Spirit—lead me, form me, uplift me, strengthen me, and send me. I ask these things in the knowledge that you will be with me as we partner in the good work of the Gospel. Amen.
