Bringing Glad Tidings

“He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free . . . ” // Luke 4:16-19

As I was chatting with a fellow mom in the school parking lot, the conversation took a turn and tears welled up in her eyes. She shared with me struggles she was dealing with in her life and my heart broke for her. 

I felt the Holy Spirit nudging me with words to share with her, but I hesitated. I didn’t know this woman's spiritual journey and didn’t want to come off as sounding too religious. However, I shared something similar that I experienced and how God helped me work through it. 

After we talked, I offered to pray for her and she was grateful and seemed more at peace. It was humbling to see the Holy Spirit move in her heart at that moment. I thanked God for giving me the courage to speak and plant a little seed of hope.

Lately, it feels like one friend after another has been dealing with difficult circumstances or working through issues that were upsetting their mental health. It’s so easy for me to just be quiet in situations like this, but today’s Gospel is a reminder of Jesus’ mission on earth: 

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free . . . ” (Luke 4:18-19).

As Catholics, you and I are called to carry on that mission. It’s easy to get caught up in our own little world and miss the promptings of the Holy Spirit, but there are countless people in our lives in need of words and actions that will encourage, strengthen, and draw them closer to Our Lord.

Has there been a family member, friend, coworker, or someone in your community on your mind lately? Reach out to them and see how you can help or pray for them.

Lord, may my heart always be open to hear Your voice. Don’t let fear or self-centeredness hold me back from going where You lead me. I love You. Amen.