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     The Gospel scripture for daily reflection switches from Matthew to Luke now, and particularly begins with the inauguration of Jesus' ministry.  We have to remember the scene at the synagogue in Nazareth where Jesus quotes Isaiah and identifies himself as the fulfillment of that prophecy.  The result is rejection by his own people, but acceptance elsewhere, as we see in today's scripture.  Luke presents a series of encounters that show Jesus' power to do what he said he would do.  We see also that there is a subtle continuation of the temptation to take advantage of that power for personal gratification.  From my own experience as an itinerant preacher, I can tell you that it is very flattering and gratifying for people to say, "We wish you would stay!"  However, the vision of the Gospel of Luke is much more universal.  The "kingdom" that Jesus has come to preach will spread well beyond Galilee and Judea to all the world.  

     Because we have the whole of the Gospel of Luke, plus the Acts of the Apostles which serves as "volume two" of Luke's vision, we are able to see the vision unfolding even as we consider individual events in each day's scripture.  It might be profitable to read the whole gospel and Acts (it won't take long) ahead of time so that the particular parts on a daily basis can make sense.  It's a bit like looking thoroughly at the picture on the box containing the jigsaw puzzle before trying to assemble the parts.   Today we can place ourselves in that crowd that goes looking for Jesus because of the great healings and exorcisms he has done.  We may hear ourselves say, "We can't let you go!"  Keeping the bigger perspective should encourage us to urge him to a broader effort for the kingdom!   AMEN