People can easily lose a sense of the sacred and transcendent.  When we lose a sense of God's special presence, we need to be brought back.  Ezra brought people back to the word of God and they realized what they were missing.  Jesus proclaims God's word in the synagogue with true conviction and tells those gathered that he is the fulfillment of all that Isaiah taught.  Even though people get lost, distracted, discouraged, and often journey down the wrong path, God's timeless law remains.  When we allow ourselves to truly hear God's word and act on it, that living word slowly, over time, changes us.  It has the power to soften and mold us, creating within us a joyful spirit.  We realize the truth in what God speaks and become open to God's love.  Gradually and gently God leads us back where we belong.  We discover again the sacred character of life and the wonder of God's power.  It is no wonder that Luke addresses his remarks to Theophilus.  It is a name that means "beloved of God," a name that can be used by anyone who desires friendship with God.