THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR A

Isaiah 8:23 – 9:3

Psalm 26 (27)

Corinthians 1:10-13, 17

Matthew 4:12-23

A DAY CONSECRATED TO THE WORD OF GOD

Today’s readings are a wonderful illustration of certain realities that mark the Church today. First, we are celebrating the Week of Christian Unity; and providentially, the second reading is about Saint Paul’s exhortation to the Corinthians on unity. According to him, Christ is not divided; so, they should avoid divisions and rivalries. Unfortunately, there is much division and shameful oppositions not only among Christians but also within the Catholic Church. These divisions are known to all of us. We need therefore to strive to foster unity and harmony among ourselves.

Second, we celebrate today the Sunday of the Word of God as instituted by Pope Francis. Indeed, the Word of God is not only a fountain of life, full of unfathomable riches and hidden treasures, but also a lamp for our feet, a light on our path (cf. Ps 119:105). Interestingly, St Matthew interprets the beginning of Jesus’ mission as the fulfillment of the prophecy of Isaiah who announced the end of darkness for the tribes of Zebulun and Nephtali, for God has smashed the yoke, the pole, the rod of oppression. Jesus chose to begin his public ministry in this region in order to bring his light to this people “sitting in darkness”. He began to preach saying: “Repent, for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand”. In that region, he also called his first disciples.

Therefore, today’s celebration challenges us in two ways. First, we are called to rediscover the value of the Word of God contained in the Bible which may be likened to a library and a pharmacy. It contains all we need for our spiritual growth. Let us also remember that “ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ” (Saint Jerome).

Second, one of the things that bring us together as Christians is the Word of God. Let this Word take root in our lives. Let us not be only its listeners or readers, but also its doers. Let us put this Word that calls us to unity and harmony into practice, so that by our lives, we may reveal to others that we are truly disciples of Jesus Christ, he who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen