Liberation III: Good News for the Poor
by the Rev. AJ Ochart
Isaiah 61:1-4; Psalm 41; James 2:14-26; Luke 4:16-30
This week we will continue to consider the theme of liberation found throughout our scriptures and the proclamation, the good news, the world-changing life-changing news of Jesus Christ. Isaiah and Jesus proclaimed ‘good news’ to the poor, which leads us to ask, what that good news might mean. In a world where we often over spiritualize this proclamation, could we be missing something very basic?
We will also be using the Lord’s Prayer from the Anglican Church in New Zealand, translated with the Maori language and culture in mind.
Eternal Spirit, Earth-Maker, Pain-bearer, Life-giver, Source of all that is and that shall be, Father and Mother of us all, Loving God, in whom is heaven:
The Hallowing of your name echo through the universe! The way of your justice be followed by the peoples of the world! Your heavenly will be done by all created beings! Your commonwealth of peace and freedom sustain our hope and come on earth.
With the bread we need for today, feed us. In the hurts we absorb from one another, forgive us. In times of temptation and test, strengthen us. From trials too great to endure, spare us. From the grip of all that is evil, free us.
For your reign in the glory of the power that is love, now and forever. Amen.
Questions to Consider
– What does good news mean to you?
– What would good news mean to you if you were destitute?
– Is this good news always seen as good? Who might see it as bad or a threat?
