The Fulfillment of the Isaiah Prophecy

This morning's readings at mass should be very familiar to regular church goers and those who know the scriptures. The readings all focus on the mission of following Jesus. The gospel passage has Jesus in his home town, at synagogue, reading from the prophet Isaiah, "The spirit of The Lord is upon me..."
As was custom, after the completion of the reading, the proclaimer would then offer a reflection on what was read. Jesus amazes the  crowd with His reading and then proclaims, "Today this passage is fulfilled by your hearing." Jesus was announcing that He was bringing the good news of God to God's people, but for us it may mean something different. If we have truly heard the passage. If we truly believe that Jesus is Messiah and Savior. If we truly believe that we are followers of His way, then we are the fulfillment.  The second reading is Paul's discourse on the Body of Christ. How we are all parts of the same body working together to fulfill God's kingdom. So if we are followers, and we have heard, then we are to fulfill the plan. We are to live our lives differently than the world with our focus away from ourselves and, instead, on those around us.
     Now society continues to make this a hard task. Society wants us to focus on ourselves and buy the latest gadget even if it is unnecessary. Or buy the more luxurious car, even if we don't really need it. There is nothing wrong with having these things, but we need to assist others with our own works and donations and society would rather we spend our money to make profits for others rather than provide for those who never reap the profits. It's not easy. I have gotten caught up in it and then, afterward, I wonder why I did it. The answer is simple. The way to heaven is a narrow road and we all try to walk it. The other road is much easier to stay on. As long as we keep trying to walk the narrow path, we will find, through the strength and guidance of the Spirit, that it becomes easier. So keep trying. Remember, we have been promised that we will never be abandoned. If we have heard the message,this is fulfilled.