Walking with Jesus: Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

For January 22, 2023

Isaiah 8:23-9:3; 1 Corinthians 1:10-13, 17; Matthew 4:12-23

What are the dark areas of my life? Why do I consider them dark? Is it because darkness traditionally keeps me from seeing what is happening? Could it be that darkness keeps me in suspense? Am I possibly carrying over scary notions from my youth, where hidden figures — sounds — are frightening? Do they obscure my seeing and distract me from life’s realities?

According to Peter, “But you are a ‘chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people of His own, so that you may announce the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light.’” [1 Peter 2:9]

God not only calls us out of darkness; we are called to be light for others who are lost or in need. Light defines the love and face of Jesus Christ. He calls us to lift up those in a dark and troubled world. His light shines over us and ahead of us. Psychology tells us that the unpreparedness caused by darkness makes us anxious, and this anxiety hinders our ability to act. What makes people afraid of the dark? It’s very basic: the loss of vision. Sight is our strongest sense, and some of our natural predators, such as big cats, are night creatures on the prowl — especially for food. Does that same fear of what is ‘out there’ complicate our understanding of God always being with us and caring for us?

The unknown is scary: All sorts of ghosts and goblins inhabit the unknown; Satan too. Jesus came to shed light on the future — the biggest unknown. People of His time were hoping for the expected Messiah. But what would the Messiah be like? Would the Romans and evil empires be driven out from the very small country of Israel? Would their country be spared the horrible taxation from Rome and the Temple Tax which kept the Temple and synagogues open? These taxes were collected by the evil tax collectors along with taxes on roads, property, buildings, gardens and animals. People valued trees and were taxed for the number of trees on their property. What would the predicted Messiah proclaim? Today Jesus tells us, “Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” [Matthew 4:17] John the Baptist’s role is described in Matthew 3:2. Matthew expands on this to include “changing one's inner self … the old way of thinking ... regretting past sins … living one’s life in a way that proves repentance … seeking God’s purpose for our life … for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Jesus is expanding His followers’ lives from living in fear to being people who have a purpose in living, showing love and being love to others. Am I making this part and parcel of my life?

Isaiah is clarifying the people’s future by delivering an oracle of deliverance: God will take care of them, even when all appearances suggest otherwise. In biblical times two tribes — Zebulun and Naphtali under Joshua — had taken possession of Canaan, the Promised Land, after the death of Moses. After the time of Solomon, Assyria’s great army had conquered the northern kingdom which became known as the District of the Gentiles. This was a time of darkness and gloom. What would happen to the southern sector? Isaiah looks to a brighter future where God’s glory will be exhibited as His plan of salvation for the future unfolds. They will enjoy freedom of a spiritual kind, routing the battle of spiritual pride.

Paul spells out lessons to be learned from divided allegiances to himself, Apollos, Peter, or even to Christ — as if He were just another, traditional leader. We can’t latch on to human wisdom, eloquence and details which lead us away from Christ. Paul puts it most bluntly in an amazing phrase for our reflection: “Was Paul crucified for you?” [1 Corinthians 1:13] Jesus Christ died on the cross for our salvation. Is there anything else that matters? What does that mean to me? What is my response to God today? Am I too casual about this? This is my faith!

The Gospel begins the Galilean ministry of Jesus. He has left Nazareth and made Capernaum His center of operations. Capernaum is in Naphtali ... Matthew sees the prophecy from Isaiah 8:23 being fulfilled when Jesus arrives in Capernaum. Jesus has been inspired by the preaching of John the Baptist who was inspired by the preaching of the Essenes who lived in the wilderness near the Dead Sea. They had been waiting for the Messiah, whom John the Baptist said would be coming very soon. John acknowledges Jesus as the Lamb of God — the Messiah — and the kingdom of heaven begins with Him. Jesus then assembles His first group of disciples. He starts simply by going to their boats and inviting them to follow Him. He will change their goal from catching fish to catching people. Their response is immediate: Why? Matthew acknowledges the magnetism of Jesus’ presence: The first apostles ask no questions and offer no resistance. Jesus’ presence overpowers those He wishes to attract.

The bottom line is that Jesus uses the magnetism of His love … care … mercy … forgiveness ... in calling each of us. How many times have I/we lifted our hearts to Him during the Eucharist and asked Him to bless and heal us? If we let Him, He dispels all the darkness in our hearts and lives — transforming us, setting us free. Do I have a confident hope in the Lord doing this? To repent means that God’s light grows in us, and we grow in God’s light. Do I ask for this?

So I reflect on:

• Am I repentant for personal wrongs I’ve committed … knowing that, somehow, my sins affect others?
• How do I see this repentance taking place? What God qualities substitute for my errors?

Sacred Space 2023 states:

“I am amazed at the personal magnetism of Jesus, that these four industrious young fishermen, including the married Simon Peter, could drop everything, leave home and follow Him. They go throughout Galilee,   where  people are oppressed, poor and hungry. The people have seen a great light. ‘Light has dawned’ — am I a light to my world?”