Alleluia.
The Lord has sent me to preach good news to the poor, to proclaim release to the captives.
Alleluia.
The Gospel is truly good news because Christ comes especially close to those whom the world so easily overlooks: the poor, the wounded, the forgotten, and those held captive by sin, fear, injustice or despair.
The freedom Jesus brings reaches deeper than outward circumstances. He comes to free the heart from everything that separates us from God and prevents us from living in the dignity for which we were created.
But His words also challenge us. If we belong to Christ, we cannot remain indifferent to those who suffer. We too are sent to bring hope where there is despair, compassion where there is suffering, and the love of Christ wherever people feel forgotten.
Alleluia. Christ still comes to set hearts free, and He calls us to carry that Good News to others.