Gospel of the Day | What does Luke’s address to Theophilus mean? Are we ready to hear that Jesus came to fulfill Scripture and set us free? Today, we explore how Christ, through His ministry and sacrifice, transforms and fulfills God’s promise.
Excellent Theophilus: Today This Scripture Is Fulfilled
This Sunday’s Gospel begins with a unique introduction where Saint Luke explains his reasons for writing: to offer a precise and structured account of Jesus’ life, based on reliable testimony.
The text is addressed to a certain “Theophilus.” But who is he? While his identity remains unknown, his name—meaning “friend of God”—invites us to consider ourselves the recipients of this Gospel. This message is meant for each of us, personally.
Imagine for a moment that every event in Jesus’ life was written specifically for you. This perspective transforms how we listen to the Word of God. It is no longer just a narrative; it becomes a message of love directed to our hearts and lives.
When the Word of God Moves and Transforms
The first reading recounts how the Israelites rediscovered the Law of Moses after a long period of neglect. It was a moment of great fervor: some wept with emotion, others bowed in reverence to God, and all responded enthusiastically with “Amen!”
And what about us? Do we still feel this emotion when we listen to the Word of God? Do we receive it with the same depth?
The Scriptures are not static texts; they are alive—an inexhaustible source of reflection, consolation, and transformation, provided we delve into them with our hearts.
Jesus Himself reminds us of this truth in today’s Gospel. After reading a passage from the prophet Isaiah in the synagogue, He declares:
Today this Scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing. (Lk 4:21)
This affirmation remains true today. God’s Word is not just about the past; it is meant to be realized in our lives here and now.
- When we console someone in suffering, we give life to the Good News.
- When we act to restore justice and truth, we become instruments of Jesus, the living Word.
Thus, the Gospel is not just meant to be proclaimed; it calls for action. It invites us to embody God’s love revealed in Jesus Christ.
A Concrete Example of Mission and Faith
The mission entrusted to Jesus by the Father—to bring Good News to the poor, free captives, give sight to the blind, and liberate the oppressed—remains the mission of the Church and each of us today.
By reading Scripture and listening to God’s call in our hearts, we become co-workers in this mission, modern-day Theophiluses.
Prayer
Lord, open our hearts to receive Your Word as a message of love destined to transform our lives. Help us to be faithful witnesses of Your Gospel, bringing joy, justice, and light to the world. May Your Holy Spirit inspire us daily to fulfill Your mission with love and humility.
Amen.
Scripture References
- Neh 8:2-4a, 5-6, 8-10
- 1 Cor 12:12-30
- Lk 1:1-4; 4:14-21
Gospel According to Saint Luke
Many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the events
that have been fulfilled among us,
just as those who were eyewitnesses from the beginning
and ministers of the word have handed them down to us.
I too have decided, after investigating everything accurately anew,
to write it down in an orderly sequence for you, most excellent Theophilus,
so that you may realize the certainty of the teachings you have received.
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.
He came to Nazareth, where he had grown up,
and went according to his custom into the synagogue on the sabbath day.
He stood up to read and was handed a scroll of the prophet Isaiah.
He unrolled the scroll and found the passage where it was written:
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
because he has anointed me
to bring glad tidings to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives
and recovery of sight to the blind,
to let the oppressed go free,
and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord.
Rolling up the scroll, he handed it back to the attendant and sat down,
and the eyes of all in the synagogue looked intently at him.
He said to them,
“Today this Scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing.”
For today’s readings, please refer to Vatican News.
Comments are closed.