The importance of the Scroll in the Life and Mission of Jesus

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Third Week : Sunday*

*Gospel : Lk 1:1-4; 4:14-21*

*First Reading : Neh 8:2-4a, 5-6, 8-10*

*Responsorial Psalm :Ps 19:8, 9, 10, 15*

*Second Reading - 1 Cor 12:12-30 or 12:12-14, 27*

*The importance of the Scroll in the Life and Mission of Jesus*

*1) The Scroll as the Word of God*

The scroll represents the written Word of God, which guided the Jewish people.

Jesus shows reverence for it, affirming its divine authority and role in revealing God’s will

Today being the Word of God Sunday, it highlights the importance of the Word of God in our life 

*2) Jesus Fulfills the Written Word*

By reading Isaiah 61:1-2 and declaring, *Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing,* Jesus connects His life and mission to the promises and prophecies of Scripture

Every incident in the life of Jesus has connection to the Old Testament prophesies.

The scrolls of the Hebrew Scriptures preserved the covenant promises of God to His people.

In Luke 24:27, Jesus explains to His disciples how all Scripture points to Him.

Thus through the Scroll or the Word of God, Jesus shows that He is the fulfilment of the Old Testament

*3) Jesus’ Teaching Ministry Rooted in Scripture*

Throughout His ministry, Jesus frequently quotes Scripture from the scrolls, emphasizing its authority 

His teaching brings clarity, depth, and life to the written Word

*4) The Scroll as a Tool for Revelation*

The scroll serves as a medium through which God reveals His truth. 

When Jesus reads from it, He reveals His identity as the Messiah and the nature of His mission.

Today also, Scripture or the Scroll remains as a great tool of God's Revelatio

Do I use this tool in my day today life 

*5) The Scroll and the Mission of the Church*

Jesus’ proclamation from the scroll of Isaiah sets the agenda for His ministry: to bring good news to the poor, liberty to captives, and sight to the blind. 

This mission continues through His Church

The scroll clearly showes the mission of the Church, and His followers and its need and necessity

*6) Jesus’ Authority and Identity*

The Scroll also, shows the real identity of Jesus

It proves that, Jesus is the Real Son of God, whose authority  is the ultimate

Jesus’ bold claim to fulfill Scripture asserts His divine authority. 

This moment divides opinion, as some marveled while others rejected Him

*7) Jesus as the Fulfillment of Prophecy*

Jesus reads from Isaiah 61:1-2 and declares, *Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing* 

This highlights that His ministry was not an afterthought but the culmination of God’s redemptive plan.

What about my Life and the Scroll? Or the Sacred Scripture?

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*