Today Paul reminds us that the basic message of the Gospel is simple. That God became a human being and died a criminal death that we might have some understanding of the intensity of God's love for us.

The same message comes through in different moods in today's passage from Luke. Jesus stands at the threshold of His public life. He, as it were, publishes His manifesto, explains the meaning of His life and work. Here the message is on freedom and liberation. Announcing the Good News that promises an end to the hardship of the poor, healing for the broken-hearted, sight for all those who cannot see or understand, freedom for those oppressed by external forces or their own fears and anxieties. This is God's love for us.

But why are these promises waiting to be realized? Partly because we have not yet fully opened ourselves to allow God's liberating and healing power to work in us. Partly, because as disciples of Christ, we are to be the agents of His mission, helping others to experience the freedom they long for.

In other words, we are called to be caring persons at all times and to share God's promise of love with every individual. Do we care to be God's collaborators and live the spirituality of Communion. This is the meaning of the term Spirituality of Communion.