ANNOUNCING FREEDOM

Reading the New Testament with a focus on Jesus announcing freedom from oppression has recently come under attack. Liberation Theology, couples the proclamation of victory over sin and death, with the good news that God is sending mercy upon the poor. It should be no wonder such an approach is under attack by the wealthy in our society. The rich can offer their wealth as proof of God’s favor; and consider the plight of the poor as God’s judgment. But the New Testament, and particularly Jesus, does not support that approach.

Throughout the Advent Season, the people of the Christian faith will sing the song of Mary (recorded in the first chapter of Luke):
47. “My Soul magnifies the Lord,
And my spirit rejoices in
God my Savior,
For he has looked with favor
on the lowliness of his servant…..
53. He has filled the hungry with
Good things
And sent the rich away
Empty”.

Although we hear how personal Mary’s response is to the announcement of Jesus’ impending birth; the Good News is for all the lowly. And later, Jesus himself will announce the same Good News when he says:
“Blessed are the poor, for theirs is the Kingdom of God.
Blessed are you who hunger now, for you shall be satisfied” (Luke 6:20)

The Gospels leave little doubt that the liberation of those trapped in poverty and hunger is the will of God. And that the disciples of Jesus are called to advance that cause. Remembering that Jesus said: “I have come that they may have life, and have it abundantly.”