Sunday, 22 January, 2023, Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

 Gospel Mt 4:12-23 

(Sunday of the Word of God | Ecumenism Sunday)

When Jesus heard that John had been arrested,

he withdrew to Galilee.

He left Nazareth and went to live in Capernaum by the sea,

in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali,

that what had been said through Isaiah the prophet

might be fulfilled:

Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali,

the way to the sea, beyond the Jordan,

Galilee of the Gentiles,

the people who sit in darkness have seen a great light,

on those dwelling in a land overshadowed by death

light has arisen.

From that time on, Jesus began to preach and say,

“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

As he was walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers,

Simon who is called Peter, and his brother Andrew,

casting a net into the sea; they were fishermen.

He said to them,

“Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.”

At once they left their nets and followed him.

He walked along from there and saw two other brothers,

James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John.

They were in a boat, with their father Zebedee, mending their nets.

He called them, and immediately they left their boat and their father

and followed him.

He went around all of Galilee,

teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom,

and curing every disease and illness among the people.

Reflection:

 Jesus leaving Nazareth, where he grew up and settling in Capernaum by the sea has a symbolic meaning of leaving behind the familiar, and the comfort zone for the new challenges awaiting. Jesus ventured to new territories where pagan influences were felt; where neighbours were different and cultures intersected. There were more chances of misunderstanding and rejection or even greater acceptance against the contempt of familiarity in His own hometown. Whatever it is, Jesus makes it clear that He is not limited by any boundaries or jurisdictions. His Good News is meant for all; as God through the prophets has promised to reach all the nations.  “Light has reached those who formerly dwelled in darkness and death”.  You can’t do the will of God if you don’t know the Word of God”- Jack Wyrtzen

Action Plan: 

Make a commitment to read at least a verse of the Bible  before any task or decision.