The following piece was first written for the October 18, 2026 pew sheet at St Augustine’s Anglican Church. I share it here again in the hope that it may continue to encourage and bless.
We have much to give thanks for as a church family. We give thanks for the recent baptisms of Sun Li, Hanzhong Qi, Angela Vistar, Cindy Wu and Nathan Vistar, and for the joyful fellowship we enjoyed at our Parish BBQ. Today, 18 October, I also have the joy of baptising Caleb Li during our Mandarin Service. Caleb is the second child of Jason and Miranda Li, and we give thanks for this family who loves Christ. Caleb's baptism is another expression of their faith and commitment to raising their children in the Christian faith. Caleb turned one yesterday, 17 October, making it especially meaningful that his baptism takes place just one day after his first birthday.
Our theme today is "Jesus Brings Good News," from Luke 4:14–21. This passage gives us a remarkable insight into Jesus' understanding of who he was and why he had come. Standing in the synagogue at Nazareth, Jesus read from the prophet Isaiah and declared that the prophecy was being fulfilled in him. Jesus knew that he was the Messiah – the Chosen, the Anointed One – and he knew what his messianic mission involved.
The prophecy tells us that the Spirit of the Lord was upon him because God had anointed him to proclaim good news to the poor, freedom for prisoners, recovery of sight for the blind, release for the oppressed, and the year of the Lord's favour. These words give us a clear picture of the Messiah's mission. In the years that followed, Jesus faithfully fulfilled this calling. He preached the good news, healed the sick, cast out demons and, most importantly, willingly gave his life on the cross, knowing that his sacrificial death was also central to his messianic mission.
Through Christ's life, death and resurrection, God has created a new humanity – the Church. We who live and work here in South Australia are part of the fruit of Christ's saving work. Therefore, we are called to continue and extend his mission faithfiully: proclaiming the good news, teaching his Word, serving others and worshipping God. May we be a people who receive Christ's good news with gratitude and faithfully make that good news known to others.
Let us pray.
Almighty God, whose Son Jesus Christ was anointed by the Holy Spirit to bring good news to the poor, freedom to the captives, sight to the blind, and release to the oppressed: grant that we may recognise him as our Saviour and Lord, receive with grateful hearts the good news of your grace, and share that good news with others. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
Photo: Hallett Cove Coastal Walk – photograph by Deo Vistar, Hallett Cove, Adelaide, South Australia.
