Sunday, November 1, 2026

The shock of fulfillment


After Luke 4:14-30
 

In his own hometown,

in his own familiar

synagogue, he stands

to read the Scripture,

as was the practice.

He reads from the prophet,

the prophet Isaiah, the words

of the anointed one, and says

they are fulfilled that day,

in their own hearing. 

 

The response is predictable:

wonder, and open hearts,

and kind words, and

acceptance until he cites

the blessings given

to the Sidonian and

the Syrian. The response

is predictable: wrath and

anger and outrage and

violence, all the way

to attempted murder.

 

Painting: Jesus Unrolls the Book in the Synagogue, watercolor over graphite by James Tissot (1836-1902), Brooklyn Museum. 


Some Sunday Readings

 

The Great Pumpkin and the True Meaning of Christmas – Kelly Keller at Story Warren. 

 

The Pull of Rome and the Promise of Grace – Chris Castaldo at Desiring God.

 

Here We Must Stand: Eight Reformation Commitments for all Christians – Al Mohler at the Institute for Faith, Work, & Economics.

 

Going No Contact?: Ruth and Faithful Presence – Jessica Lee at Mere Orthodoxy.

 

Reformation Day Myths – R. Scott Clark at The Heidelblog.