Greetings on this the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time
Readings: Isaiah 8:23—9:3; Psalm 27:1, 4, 13-14; 1 Corinthians 1:10-13, 17; Matthew 4:12-23
Summary
The people who sit in darkness have seen a great light, on those dwelling in a land overshadowed by death light has arisen (Mt 4:16).
Reflection
Isaiah promises for everyone:
- Gloom to Joy
- Freedom from the yoke (burden), the pole (punishment) and the rod (power).
Galilee of the Gentiles is both a place and a position in life.
A place
Galilee is a cross roads location. Trade and war making routes cross through Galilee. It is a thin connecting part of the Fertile Crescent (geographical region). It is a place where many cultures interact and trade.
A position
Assyrian domination covered many nations, peoples and tribes. Galilee of the Gentiles is also a general reference to the non-jewish nations.
Jesus comes to the place of meeting between nations. The light does not wait for perfect conditions. It begins in Galilee.
He left Nazareth and went to live in Capernaum by the sea, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali … 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.” (Mt 4:13, 16-17).
He calls to his side the Apostles, Peter, Andrew, James and John to help him bring the good news.
A People without Fear
The LORD is my light and my salvation;
whom should I fear?
The LORD is my life’s refuge;
of whom should I be afraid?
(PS 27:1)
A People Made One
I urge you, brothers, 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 (1 Cor 1:10).
Whenever cultures collide, power concentrates, and voices are lost, The Galilee of darkness appears again.
Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/012526.cfm
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry