III Sunday OT:[A]: Is 8: 23--9:3; I Cor 1: 10-13, 17; Mt 4: 12-23

III Sunday OT:[A]: Is 8: 23--9:3; I Cor 1: 10-13, 17; Mt 4: 12-23

Introduction:   Describing the humble beginning of the public ministry of Jesus, today’s Scripture readings teach us that Christ has brought us from darkness of sin into the Light (4:16), by calling us to repentance (4:17), and the acceptance of God’s rule.       

Scriptural Lessons:   In our Gospel reading today we hear how Jesus began his ministry in Galilee at Capernaum. St Matthew is keen to point out how Jesus only begins his ministry once he hears that John the Baptist has been arrested; this is to make it clear that there is no sort of competition between John the Baptist and Jesus. John is his forerunner and Jesus only begins his ministry once John is off the scene.

Jesus then proceeds to call Peter, Andrew, James and his brother John to follow him as disciples. Through Jesus, what has been spoken through the prophet Isaiah is at last fulfilled: ". . . the people who sit in darkness have seen a great light, and on those dwelling in a land overshadowed by death light has risen."

Matthew graphically portrays the unredeemed human condition: John, victim of the injustice of arrest and subsequent execution; people sitting in darkness and the shadow of death. Hearers of Matthew's gospel already know that Jesus and many who became his disciples soon would meet the same kind of injustice and violent death as John.  Through Jesus anguish has taken wing.  The darkness is dispelled.  And the people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.  And Jesus preaches to us, and teaches us and tells us the reason for our joy, “The Kingdom of God is at hand.” 

Anecdote:  Those of you who saw the remarkable film Amazing Grace remember the story of William Wilberforce. Wilberforce was a British politician who, after his conversion to Christianity, became England ’s greatest anti-slavery advocate. It was through his tireless efforts that England eventually outlawed slavery, paving the way for the end of the slave-trade in the Western world. But William Wilberforce almost missed his calling. After his conversion, Wilberforce considered leaving politics for the ministry. He wasn’t sure how a Christian could live out his faith in “the world.” Fortunately, Wilberforce turned to a man named John Newton for guidance. Newton, of course, was the author of the much-loved hymn, “Amazing Grace.” Newton was a former slave trader who had renounced the trade after his conversion. Newton convinced Wilberforce that God had called him to remain in politics to exert a Christian influence there. It was John Newton who gave William Wilberforce the wake-up call that kept him championing the cause of freedom for Britain’s slaves. Four men, fishermen by trade, were toiling at the nets beside the Sea of Galilee when they received a wake-up call from Jesus. And their whole world was turned upside down.

Joke:  Three men were pacing nervously outside the delivery room at a hospital when the head nurse came out beaming.  To the first she said, "Congratulations, sir, you are the father of twins." "Terrific!" said the man, "I just signed a contract with the Minnesota Twins and this'll be great press." To the second man the nurse said, "Congratulations to you too.  You are the father of healthy triplets!" "Fantastic!" he said.  "I'm the vice-president of 3-M Company. This'll be great P.R.!" At that point the third man turned ashen and ran for the door. "What's wrong, sir?  Where are you going?" called the nurse. As he jumped into his car, the man shouted, "I'm dashing to my office to resign.  I'm the president of 7-UP!"         

Practical Applications:  1) Our Call is not to compete, not to boast, but to appreciate and practice. We need to appreciate our call to be Christ’s disciples. Every one of us is called by God, both individually and collectively. The call is both a privilege and responsibility. The mission of preaching, teaching and healing which Jesus began in Galilee is now the responsibility of the Church and of each individual Christian. 

2) "Jesus traveled throughout Galilee, teaching in the synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and curing every disease and every sickness among the people." [Mt. 4:23] Equally today, the Word of God, the promoting of the Good News of the Kingdom of Heaven, heals all kinds of ills. The Word of God transforms hearts so that victims may forgive those who have harmed them. When we receive the Sacrament of Confirmation, we are sent forth to proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom and to defend the Catholic faith.

3) This call challenges us to rebuild our lives, homes and communities in the justice and peace that Jesus proclaims. As we continue with the celebration of the Holy Mass, let us ask the Lord Jesus to give us the strength and perseverance to answer His calling, so that we may faithfully serve the Lord, doing His Divine will as best as we can by cooperating with his grace.

      

Introduction: Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Message: We have seen a great light; Jesus, the Messiah, who heals us of our sin and who is our unity and peace.

Saints and Events in this week: 27-Twenty Seventh-Monday-Saint Angela Merici, Virgin; 28-Twenty eighth-Tuesday-Saint Thomas Aquinas, priest, doctor of the Church; 31-Thirty First-Friday-Saint John Bosco, priest;