Third Sunday In Ordinary Time
Isaiah 8:23 – 9:3-1 Corinthians 1:10 – 13, 7 Matthew 4:12 – 23
What a wonderful set of readings we share today. Isaiah tells us that we who once walked in darkness have seen a great light. Our journey which at times has been marked by darkness has brought us into the light of God’s love. We rejoice that the Lord has called each of us by name, just as he called Simon, Peter, Andrew, James, and John.
Each Sunday of Ordinary Time, the Old Testament sheds light on the Gospel. For Matthew, today’s beginning of Jesus’ ministry begins the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy of worldwide enlightenment and universal deliverance. God’s chosen people have been waiting for their redeemer for a long time. Isaiah told them redemption would surely come, and now it has, Jesus came and saved us all.
When Jesus hears of the arrest of John the Baptist he knows it is time to begin his ministry in earnest. He goes to Galilee to live in Capernaum in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali, as Israel had foretold. From that time on Jesus begins to preach. “Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near at hand.” He goes about Galilee preaching, teaching, and curing every disease and illness of the people.
Today Jesus’ message could not be any clearer about where he wants his church to be. In this world – though not of it. Paul reminds us that none of us has it all together. However, we have it all; Christ’s life to share, Christ’s Gospel to proclaim.
Jesus is calling us to join in his work. His invitation today is, “Follow me.” It is up to us to build God’s Kingdom, and Jesus tells us that we can every time we open our hands and hearts to share God’s abundance with those in need. It brings God’s kingdom closer. Every time we pray the Lord’s prayer we ask, “Your Kingdom come on earth, as it is in Heaven.”
Sister Bridget Mary Troy, OP