1Thes. 4:13-18 | Ps. 96:1, 3-5, 11-13 | Lk. 4:16-30

Jesus comes to His hometown of Nazareth and proceeds to the Synagogue to preach.  He is handed a scroll and opens it to a passage from Isaiah which speaks about the Spirit dwelling with him.  Jesus takes this passage and applies it to Himself.  He is criticized; and, Jesus responds by reminding the people that He will not be able to help them because of their lack of faith in Him.  The people become angry and try to destroy Him.

There are several ways to look at this passage.  Perhaps we should look at this reading from the standpoint that we have been gifted with the Spirit of God at our Baptism and Confirmation.  How much or often do we rely on this Spirit to guide and direct us in our daily lives?  Do we live consciously with this Spirit?  Or do we also reject the Spirit because we do not take time to invite the Holy Spirit to be active in our lives?

Take time to talk to the Holy Spirit. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you remember His Indwelling Presence.  Make a plan to do so daily.