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Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news of
him spread throughout the whole region. He taught in their
synagogues and was praised by all. Luke 4:14–15
This passage from Luke’s Gospel takes place immediately after Jesus
was baptized by John and spent forty days in the desert, enduring
and overcoming the temptations of the evil one. He returned to
Galilee “in the power of the Spirit.” Although Luke had not yet
recorded any of Jesus’ miracles, it becomes clear later in the
chapter that Jesus had already performed some in Capernaum, and
“news of him spread throughout the whole region.”
What was it that caught the attention of so many people? In
addition to the word spreading about His miracles, it’s likely that
the aura of sanctity He had begun to manifest also drew people in.
Until that time, Jesus had lived a hidden life. Though He was
perfect in every way, His divinity remained concealed within His
humanity until the appointed time for His manifestation. Now that
the time had come, the veil began to lift, and people started to
take notice.
Similarly, in our lives, there are times when God calls us to keep
our faith concealed within the depths of our souls, to deepen our
personal conversion. Then there are times when God lifts the veil
and manifests His grace and mercy through us to others. This
intentional manifestation of God’s grace and glory must happen
according to the power and timing of the Holy Spirit. It’s not for
us to decide how God wants to shine through us—it’s up to
Him.
When you examine your life, what do you see as God’s will for you
right now? Perhaps your conversion is recent, and much is taking
place interiorly. Maybe you are facing temptations and need to rest
with our Lord in the desert, confronting and overcoming the evil
one. Or perhaps this is a time when God wants to begin manifesting
His holiness through you more clearly to others.
Today’s Gospel ends on a high note: “all spoke highly of him and
were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth.” That
quickly changed, however, when our Lord chastised the people of
Nazareth for being more interested in seeing a miracle than in
embracing Him as the Anointed One of God, spoken of in the passage
He had just read from Isaiah. Jesus’ mission was to convert hearts
and reveal His true identity as the Messiah. Because the people in
His hometown were more interested in seeing a miracle, as if it
were a magic trick, they missed the true purpose of His mission and
blamed their hardness of heart on Jesus.
Likewise, in our lives, when God chooses to manifest His divine
grace through us, we should not expect everyone to be receptive.
When we are changed by grace, that change will challenge others.
Just as the people in Jesus’ hometown were not ready to accept Who
He was and is, we should anticipate that some might not accept that
God is manifesting His grace and truth through us and reject us as
those in Nazareth rejected our Lord.
Reflect today on the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry. As you
do, consider whether God might be calling you to begin a “public
ministry” of your own, in the way He wills. Be at peace with
whatever reaction you receive. While some will rejoice with you,
others might not. Have courage, listen to the Holy Spirit, and
allow God’s anointing to manifest Himself through you in any way He
chooses.
My divine Lord, in accord with Your Father’s will, You concealed
Your divinity during the first thirty years of Your earthly life.
When the time was right, You began to lift the veil and reveal Your
holiness and power. Please help me discern when to embrace a hidden
life of prayer and conversion and when You wish to manifest Your
holiness through me. Give me the courage to act always in accord
with Your perfect will and perfect timing. Jesus, I trust in
You.
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