Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

“The spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me”

Anointed in Hebrew is "Messiah," and in Greek the "Christ". 

As baptised Christians we – each one of us – is another Christ. That is our dignity and our role or duty. Every gift brings with it a responsibility.

The Spirit came into my life at my Baptism – and, as you may have read in my “Journey to Eternity volume 1”, palpably when, aged 15, I was on Eriskay in the Outer Hebrides.

As a Christian – not just as a priest, I am to proclaim good news to the poor: help  people who realise they need to have their lives enriched by God’s presence. 

God is as gravity – always with us. But as we tend to ignore gravity – take it for granted - all too many, for all too much of their time, ignore God, imagine they are on their own – and thus live impoverished lives.

Illness or accident can be a wake-up call and help us find time for God. But why wait until that happens?

By giving them hope, we may set free our friends, colleagues and allies - in life who are imprisoned by worries – and even depression. 

Why not – in this  Jubilee Year with its theme of Pilgrims of Hope - try to develop your relationship with God? 

I do, as I walk down the road, sit on a tube or drive.

Union with God gives life buoyancy – which others might notice and wonder why.

The Spirit generates joy And laughter – even when there is much  cruelty, horror and pain swirling around us.

I thank God for joy – and you.