On the Sunday of the Word of God, Pope Francis reflected on the profound opportunity presented by this Jubilee Year to acknowledge our need for salvation and renew our encounter with Christ. Addressing the faithful ahead of the recitation of the Angelus prayer, Pope delved into the Gospel passage from Luke, recounting Jesus’ visit to the synagogue in Nazareth.

In his address, Pope Francis highlighted the pivotal moment when Jesus declared Himself the fulfillment of the prophecy of Isaiah. This bold declaration, made in the synagogue, both surprised and challenged His listeners.

Pope explained that Jesus’ words forced His fellow townspeople to confront a decisive question: “Is He only the carpenter's son who arrogates to Himself a role that does not belong to Him, or is He truly the Messiah, sent by God to save the people from sin and all evil?”

Describing the shock and bewilderment of the people of Nazareth, Pope Francis noted how their familiarity with Jesus ironically became a barrier to belief. “They thought they knew Him too well and this, instead of facilitating the opening of their minds and hearts, prevented them from doing so, like a veil obscuring the light,” he said.

Pope Francis emphasized that the Gospel passage is not confined to history but continues to resonate with believers today. He warned that familiarity with Jesus can lead to complacency in faith.

“This event also happens for us today,” Pope said. “We have grown up with Him, in school, in the parish, in catechism, in a country with a Catholic culture... And so for us too, He is a Person who is close—'too' close.”

Pope urged Christians to reflect deeply on their understanding of Jesus. “Do we truly recognize Jesus as the Son of God and Saviour?” he asked. “Do we sense the unique authority with which Jesus of Nazareth speaks? Do we recognize that He is the bearer of a proclamation of salvation that no one else can give us?”

Acknowledging our need for salvation, Pope Francis explained, is the foundation for embracing this Jubilee Year as a true Year of Grace. By opening our hearts to Jesus, Pope encouraged believers to experience the transformative power of His message.

Concluding his reflection, Pope Francis called on the faithful to seek the guidance of Mary, the Mother of God.

“Let us turn confidently to Mary, Mother of God and our Mother, to help us recognize Jesus,” he said, entrusting all to her maternal care.

Through this reflection, Pope Francis invited Christians to renew their faith and recognize Jesus as the ultimate source of salvation, reminding them that the journey of faith begins with humility and openness to His grace.