Today ... in your hearing

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Scripture references

• Nehemiah 8:2-4, 5-6, 8-10
• 1 Corinthians 12:12-30
• Luke 1:1-4, 4:14-21

Reflection

There are some events and happenings that have the power to draw people together: the birth of a child, a wedding, significant anniversaries, retirement celebrations and funerals are just some of those that spring to mind.  Family members and friends from near and far travel to partake in such significant moments.

These key passings are often the times when we cling to tradition and faith in order to ritualize in some way the realities that are being experienced, be they moments of celebration or of grief.  These are also the moments when we often seek words of wisdom, guidance, consolation and wisdom.

Many of us here can remember such moments as we celebrated the baptism of children and the marriages of friends and family members.  Perhaps we have been privileged to be present with children as they discover the stories of the bible for the first time, as they experience the forgiveness of our God in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, as they receive Him in the Eucharist.  Maybe we have known the grief of one who mourns even as we celebrate the fulfillment of God's promise of eternal life for those who are no longer physically among us.

Life has a way of throwing us curve balls every so often, and it's often at times when the unexpected happens that we seek this guidance, either individually or collectively.  The practice of turning to faith at times like this is nothing new.  The first reading we heard today speaks of another assembly, not unlike this one, who listened as the Law was read and explained to them.  They too were seeking wisdom, guidance, perhaps even consolation (Ne 8:2-10).

In the year 2010, the international community has responded rapidly to the cry for help which was heard across the oceans from the island of Haiti, and we are still watching as many thousands experience the catastrophe of losing everything and everyone they hold dear.  At moments such as these, as we witness the response of the world community which is still rushing to help, Saint Paul's words to the community at Corinth come alive.  We are all part of the Body of Christ (1 Cor 12:22-30).  When one of us rejoices, all of us are happy; when one of us suffers, we all do.

In the gospel account today, we hear of Jesus' first words to the community gathered in Galilee.  Even though they probably caused some degree of questioning on the part of the hearers, these words hold great promise as well, especially for those who are in need.  The Spirit of the Lord is upon each of us from the day of our baptism.  God entrusts to us the mission of bringing good news to the poor, to proclaim release to captives, to set the oppressed free, to be people of hope and faith for our world (Lk 4:14-21).

This Spirit is alive and active today in the messages of consolation and hope that have been sent to the people of Haiti, in the expressions of solidarity manifested in our financial assistance toward those who are working to rebuild devastated areas of that country, and in the prayers offered by Christians and other people of faith during their time of greatest need.

There will be a second collection at all Masses this week.  Proceeds from this special collection will be sent to those in Haiti who are working to rebuild hope for those who have lost so much in the earthquake.  This coming week is especially devoted to prayer for Christian Unity.  Christians of all traditions are invited to partake in a Taizé prayer service with special prayers for the people of Haiti tomorrow (Sunday) night at Ste-Anne-des-Pins church beginning at 7:00 pm.

Christ invites each of us to do our part, to be witnesses of his love and compassion to a world that is so much in need.  Let us give thanks this week for those who are signs for us of God's love, and let's all be conscious of the many ways we ourselves are called to be witnesses of hope to others.