Scripture Reflection - January 25, 2026

Third Sunday of Ordinary Time

First Reading: Isaiah 8:23-9:3

Psalm: 27:1, 4, 13-14

Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:10-13, 17

Gospel: Matthew 4:12-23 or 12-17

This Sunday’s readings invite us to enter more deeply into the mystery of Jesus as we accompany him in the inaugural days of his mission.

Over the past two Sundays, we saw both God and John the Baptist pointing to Jesus as the promised Messiah. Today, our first reading does likewise. The Church looks back to a prophecy of Isaiah, which paired with the Gospel, affirms Jesus’ identity as truly the One whom God has sent as Messiah for a world immersed in darkness. This identity is highlighted in the psalm response as we proclaim the Lord as our light and salvation.

For first-century Palestine, this emphasis on identity was crucial. Now Jesus becomes the witness of God’s unconditional love—announcing the expansion of the “chosen” to include all. He is tasked with honoring the spirit of the Old Law while inscribing the New in words and deeds. The success of his mission to proclaim the kindom present here on earth depends on the ability of people to grow into accepting his identity as the Promised One.

The role of the Holy Spirit in Jesus’ inauguration into his mission does not go unnoticed. The power of the Holy Spirit stays with Jesus as he embarks on the challenges he will encounter. The power of the Holy Spirit supports and empowers Jesus. We, too, receive the power of the Holy Spirit as we are recreated through Baptism and receive the universal call to holiness. We, too, receive the enduring support of the Holy Spirit as we become formed as disciples who accept the responsibility of proclaiming the Good News in these very challenging times.

Matthew highlights the underlying power and support of the Spirit in subtle ways as he offers us a glimpse of three different aspects of the cost of discipleship.

First, our Gospel begins with the notation that John has been arrested. While this might seem like nonessential information, we know better. John probably could have “retired” after pointing his followers to Jesus, but he was not afraid to speak truth to power. He shows us that being a true follower is a lifelong commitment that coexists with the possibility of grave personal harm. John’s arrest and later death foreshadow Jesus’ own arrest and death. The life of one who announces the Good News is not glossed over.

In a second example, the news of John’s arrest does not deter Jesus. He recently faced demons himself in the desert as he prepared for his work to begin. Jesus was fully aware of the risks involved in accepting his mission. The Spirit stays with Jesus, and the Gospel pointedly notes that Jesus continues John’s call to repent in a very decisive way.

Lastly, in the optional part of the Gospel reading, Jesus begins the task of widening his tent of support by choosing his apostles. These men did not merely take a “look and see” attitude. They may have seemed like a haphazard bunch, but they were willing to give up all they depended on in life to accept dependence on the One their inner selves affirmed as God in their midst. They were by no means perfect, but they were willing to allow Jesus to smooth out their rough edges and form them into disciples. In the end, they fully embraced the power of the Holy Spirit to be the hands and feet of Jesus in the world.

Are we willing to do the same?

Sr BarbaraAnn Sgro, OP