Jer 1:4-5, 17-19; Psalm 70(71); 1 Cor 12:31-13:13; Luke 4:21-20
In 626 BC Jeremiah was appointed by God to be his prophet during the forty troubled years before the exile. Israel had fallen away from God’s covenant, worshipping pagan gods. Jeremiah warned them that unless they turned back to the Lord, Jerusalem would be destroyed – as it was by Babylon. But the prophet’s life is not easy, even though sure of God’s support, and Jeremiah suffered much at the hands of his own people.
The psalmist implores the Lord’s help in affliction, confident he will be heard.
Paul has emphasised to the Corinthians that the different abilities of each member are essential to the work of the church. In today’s beautiful reading he contrasts these diverse skills with the overriding virtue of love, needed by everyone. And more important than the gift of tongues, which the Corinthians valued highly.
In Luke’s gospel Jesus continues from last week’s reading, saying the text he had read from Isaiah is being fulfilled as he is speaking. With these words He inaugurates the time of fulfilment of the Jewish Scriptures. But his words were seen as unexpectedly gracious for a mere carpenter’s son. He could work no miracles there in his home town. He tells them Gentiles will prove more receptive to the word of God. Jerusalem would be destroyed yet again.
Psalm Response: My lips will tell of your help.
(Jer 1:4-5, 17-19; Psalm 70(71); 1 Cor 12:31-13:13; Luke 4:21-20)