You are to be the light to the nation

Ish 8:23-9:3, 1 Cor. 1:1-13.17, Mt. 4:22-23. On this Third Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A, the Church invites us to be a light shining upon those in darkness. The light brings hope of better days, of the fulfillment of the Reign of God. The light empowers the people to do whatever God is asking them to do. Today’s first reading recounts how the people of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, (areas of Naphtali and Zebulun), sense a light that scatters the gloom in which they were living. In the second reading, Paul reminds the faithful of Corinth that they should not separate themselves into groups that claim allegiance to the human instrument who helped to bring about their enlightenment, but that they should realise that the human agents are acting on Divine providence, who called them into a new and closer relationship with God.

Today’s Gospel is made up of three parts: Jesus’ activity in Galilee, the vocation story of the first four disciples and the summary of the activity of Jesus. After the conclusion of John the Baptist’s mission, Jesus moved from Nazareth to Capernaum which became the centre of His activities for about three years. The light spoken by the prophet has risen as Jesus the fulfilment of the prophecy proclaimed: “Repent because the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Thus, those who cultivate projects of death must open themselves to the choices of life. Those who move in darkness must turn towards the light. Only if we are willing to accept these changes can we walk with Jesus. Jesus does not stop for a moment: “As Jesus walked by the lake of Galilee... and then he went on from there... He went around all Galilee.” This is a challenge for us that once we make a positive response we must realise that no rest will be granted and there will not be any stop along the way. Jesus wants to be followed day and night and throughout life with almost commitment and dedication. There are no moments of exemption from commitments.

May the Lord direct our steps in the way of His love, so that our whole life may be fragrant of His grace and drive out the evils of injustice and hatred in our world! Amen!! Good morning and happy Sunday!!!