The Daily Office for September 27, 2012
Scripture Readings
Old Testament
Psalm
New Testament
Gospel
Reflection
Nazareth is situated at the southern edge of the hill country of Galilee overlooking the Jezreel Valley. Practically every Jewish village had a synagogue. They were used to instruct in the Old Testament. Jesus had grown up here, and everyone knew Him as the carpenter’s son. Jesus participated in the service this particular day by opening a scroll and reading one and a half verses from Isaiah 61:1–2a. He read a portion that dealt directly with the earthly ministry of the Messiah (such as preaching and healing) and stopped just before the passage went on to describe His coming judgment in the end times.
The application was short and to the point, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” This was a direct and full claim to be the Messiah. Unfortunately, the people could not accept the fantastic claim of this thirty-year-old carpenter’s son. Instead of believing Christ, and receiving the long-promised kingdom He proclaimed, they were indignant and sought to cast Jesus over the side of the mountain into the valley far below. However, God supernaturally prevented them from carrying out their wicked intentions and Jesus went away unhindered to ultimately fulfill the prophesy.
Collect for the Day
Merciful God, whose servant Vincent de Paul, by his ministry of preaching and pastoral care, brought your love to the sick and the poor: give to all your people a heart of compassion that by word and action they may serve you in serving others in their need; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.