the protagonist

Aug 30, 2021

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“Unrolling the scroll Jesus found the place where it is written:
The spirit of the Lord has been given to me,
for he has anointed me.
He has sent me to bring the good news to the poor,
to proclaim liberty to captives
and to the blind new sight,
to set the downtrodden free,
to proclaim the Lord’s year of favour.
Luke 4

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So what’s my problem?

Perhaps I’m too attached to earthly securities to have need for the good news that Jesus is speaking for those who know their poverty?

Maybe I’m so content with my compulsiveness that I’m not begging for the liberty Jesus is bringing to the captive?

It could be that I am so occupied with clamouring about in the darkness that I’m blind to my own need for new vision?

Or am I so centred on blazing my own trail that don’t acknowledge that much of the time I’m lost, at least downtrodden, and perhaps unwilling to notice that the anointed One awaits me at the crossroad?

In short, perhaps I have numbed my heart’s desire forgetting my need for the one who comes to me as saviour, Jesus Christ, God-with-me, the one who now and forever seeks me more than I now and ever seek Him?

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“The true protagonist of history is the beggar:
Christ who begs for the human heart,
and my human heart that begs for Christ.”
Luigi Giussani
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6 Comments

  1. Phil cody on August 30, 2021 at 7:05 am

    Thanks John
    Telling photo
    Thanks for the insight: I am the beggar

    So rather than worrying about not having change any more
    Perhaps I need to reflect: ‘that’s me’!

    Reply
    • Catherine Perry on August 30, 2021 at 9:53 am

      Well there’s a challenging start to the week! All those questions to face up to. Thanks Fr John.

      Reply
  2. Catherine on August 30, 2021 at 8:51 am

    Profound. To pray with today.

    Reply
  3. Rita on August 31, 2021 at 7:40 am

    Amen thanks Father John Amen

    Reply
  4. SarahCohen on August 31, 2021 at 9:05 am

    This reflection from the wonderful Giussani is possibly a picture of all mankind and his wonderings throughout the ages – the poor shall inherit the earth.

    Reply
  5. Kent on August 31, 2021 at 9:22 am

    Thank you, Father John. A deeply inspiring message and most fitting for me, a sinner and a beggar. Blessings for your wonderful ministry. Pax et bonum.

    Reply

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