Beloveds,
You might recall President Obama’s final April 2016 White House Correspondents’ Dinner, “I’m Out” moment. (https://youtu.be/y13tA8GXpsI?si=vhS092HQwYE82cB3) It was epic. As it turns out, it was one of a history of mic drops.
This week, the Revised Common Lectionary offers us Luke 4:14-21 – Jesus reads the prophet Isaiah. In his hometown temple, he stands up before those who knew him since … and read:
“The Spirit of the [Sovereign] is on me,
because he has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners
and [visions for those who cannot imagine]
to set the oppressed free,
to proclaim the year of the [Sovereign’s] favor.”
Then, he rolled up the scroll and handed it to the attendant as he said, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” MIC DROP.
I think of Rev. Gwynn’s message to us last week and how it might have made us uncomfortable. A prophet does that. On Monday, which was, by set calendar coincidence, both the Inauguration and the Observance of MLK Day, several hundred gathered at 400 County Center in Redwood City to hear the “Letter from Birmingham Jail”. It is chilling to realize how much has not changed in sixty-two years.
I look forward to being with you this Sunday at 10 am on 1130 Balclutha, Zoom, or Livestream as we reflect upon this week’s text and apply it to our lives.
You are God’s Anointed,
Rev. Michael