Gospel Summary
The first part of todayÕs Gospel introduces LukeÕs Gospel and Acts. Luke recalled for his readers that stories had been handed down by eye-witnesses and written down by others. He intended, however, to improve on the order of these earlier accounts. The lectionary moves us to another beginning and that is the beginning of JesusÕ ministry. He had traveled throughout Galilee teaching in the synagogue. This day, he was in his home town of Nazareth where he unrolled a scroll and proclaimed the words of Isaiah. The Spirit of the Lord will come upon one who will free captives, favor the poor, and give sight to the blind. After Jesus rolled up the scroll, he told his listeners that those words had been fulfilled in him.

Reflection for Families
Children are really all the things listed in what Jesus read from Isaiah. They are poor because they really depend on parents for their every material need. They are not free because they are too young and inexperienced to live on their own. While theyÕre not completely blind, much of what they do see has been shaped by their parentÕs vision. When we think of all parents do for their children, it becomes clearer all that Jesus is for us.

Bringing the Gospel Into Your Family
Who are the oppressed people in your community, neighborhood, or parish? Is there another family carrying a heavy burden right now? Reach out to that family in hospitality. Perhaps you could invite them over for an evening of cards or board games, or send them a Òthinking-of-youÓ card. Be sure to keep them in our familyÕs daily prayers.

Discussion Starters

1. One thing I was really blind to once was . . . The person who helped me see was ...
2. One way I set captives free is by ...
3. One way I could try harder to bring Good News to others is by ...

Connecting to Faith First©Legacy Edition
At Home Family Guide, theme 2
Kindergarten, chapters 6 and 7
Grade 1, chapter 1
Grade 2, chapter 1
Grade 3, chapter 1
Grade 4, chapter 1
Grade 5, chapter 1
Grade 6, chapter 4
Junior High, Mystery of God, chapter 2
Junior High, Jesus in the New Testament, chapter 2
Junior High, Morality, chapter 2

Connecting to Faith First©
At Home Family Guide, theme 2
Kindergarten, chapters 6 and 7
Grade 1, chapter 1
Grade 2, chapter 1
Grade 3, chapter 1
Grade 4, chapter 1
Grade 5, chapter 1
Grade 6, chapter 4
Junior High, Creed and Prayer, chapter 2
Junior High, Liturgy and Morality, chapter 11