Greetings on this the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time
Readings: Is 8:23—9:3; Ps 27:1, 4, 13-14; 1 Cor 1:10-13, 17; Mt 4:12-23
Notes: O sacrament of piety! O sign of unity! O bond of charity!
For those of you who have been reading daily this week know we have been focused on the life of Jesus in Galilee. The time between Christmas season and Lent is a particular time of the life of Jesus. Childhood, Adulthood and the beginning of his ministry.
Some of this we covered yesterday but to continue the theme.
Capernaum is often referred to as Peter’s city.
Peter lived there and was at the least fairly wealthy in business, and home life.
Capernaum is the perfect fishing village (back then. Today it is offshore by a wide margin). It is also strategically on the north shore of the Sea of Galilee and is a part of a major trading route. There Jesus would meet the local population and anyone traveling North and South.
The freshwater springs were particularly helpful to those who fish for a living.
Upon return, you need a place to clean and fillet the fish and prepare them for market, either as fresh fish or as salted fish for transport and later consumption.
Other boats would come and pick up fresh fish for transport to their communities.
It is here, in this very interactive and busy place, that Jesus began his ministry.
- When he heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee.
- He left Nazareth and went to live in Capernaum by the sea.
- From that time on, Jesus began to preach and say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
- He called his first disciples there.
- 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.
First reading
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shone. You have brought them abundant joy and great rejoicing.
Responsorial Psalm
The Lord is my light and my salvation.
Second reading
I urge you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree in what you say, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and in the same purpose.
Alleluia Verse
Jesus proclaimed the Gospel of the kingdom and cured every disease among the people.
Gospel Portion
He left Nazareth and went to live in Capernaum by the sea.
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.
He calls you too!
This is our calling.
Whether here, there or anywhere.
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry
Deacon Gerry Palermo 