The second part of today’s gospel (Luke 4:14-21) is the beginning of Jesus’ public life in his hometown, Nazareth. He visits the synagogue and takes this opportunity to launch his message (v.16). 

The first detail, though seemingly superfluous, is the opening of the book that was presented to him. 

Binuksan niya ang aklat sa dakong kinasusulatan ng ganito: “Sumasaakin ang Espiritu ng Panginoon, sapagkat hinirang niya ako upang ipahayag sa mga bihag na sila’y lalaya, at
sa mga bulag na sila’y makakita; upang bigyang-kaluwagan ang mga sinisiil, at ipahayag ang pagliligtas na gagawin ng Pang-inoon.”

In a village in Galilee a wedding feast is celebrated. There are the guests who gathered to spend a few happy days, but here’s a disappointment: there is no wine and there is not even water because—according to the story—the jars are empty. A situation of abandonment, of general sadness. This is the surface. What’s in depth? 

Paalala lang po.  Ang pag ninilay na ito ay hindi tungkol sa isang pelikulang pinagbidahan ni Ryan Agoncillo at Judy Ann Santos noong taong 2006 na may katulad ding pamagat. At paumanhin sa writer at producer ng nasabing pelikula kung tila hiniram ang nasabing titulo ng pelikula.    Ito po ay patungkol sa isang kasalang naganap sa Cana noong panahon ng ating Panginoong Hesus.

The gospel opens with a significant finding, the people were in expectant. It is easy to imagine what they are waiting for: the slaves expected freedom, the poor a new condition of life, the exploited labourer hoped for justice, the sick, healing, the humiliated and raped woman, recovery of dignity.

All aspired a new world; they hoped that among people, abuse, distortion and mistreatment would disappear, and rapport with peace be installed.

Nabinyagan na noon ang lahat ng tao, gayun din si Hesus. Nang siya’y nananalangin, nabuksan ang langit at bumaba sa kanya ang Espiritu Santo sa anyong kalapati. At isang tinig mula sa langit ang nagsabi. “Ikaw ang minamahal kong Anak; lubos kitang kinalulugdan.”

DECEMBER 27 – HOLY FAMILY OF JESUS, MARY AND JOSEPH.
Gloria, Creed, preface for the feast (white).
Readings: 1 Samuel 1:20-22, 24-28; 1 John 3:1-2, 21-24; Luke 2:41-52.