READINGS FOR THE THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR A, SUNDAY 22ND JANUARY, 2023

First Reading: Isaiah 8:23, 9:3

Psalm: 26

Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:10-13, 17

Gospel: Matthew 4:12-23

REFLECTION BY FR. CORNELIUS NWAOGWUGWU, CM

CALLED AND SENT TO PREACH THE GOOD NEWS

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Today is the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A, Sunday of the Word of God. We have been marking Christian Unity Week, 18th to 25th of January and Catholic Schools Week begins today 22nd January 2023.

In line with this, St. Paul in his first letter to the Corinthians appeals to us, for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ, to make up the differences between us. Paul further insisted that, we should not disagree among ourselves. He calls us to be united again in our belief and practice. (Corinthians 1:10-13, 17).

Life is a journey. The practice of our faith is also a journey accompanied by and with the Word of God. We begin today, the continuous reading of the Gospel of St. Matthew each Sunday for seven weeks. It means that the Gospel of St. Matthew will be read continuously each Sunday from Sunday, 22nd January to Sunday, 5th March, 2023.

As we journey with St. Matthew’s Gospel each Sunday during this period, we are reminded of the call of the first disciples by Jesus. This call is in fulfilment of the scriptures in Jesus Christ, the Light of the world, the light that dispels darkness.

The Prophet Isaiah prophesied that, “The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light.” (Isaiah 9:1). This prophecy is fulfilled in Jesus Christ. The Gospel of Matthew says, “Hearing that John had been arrested Jesus went back to Galilee, and leaving Nazareth he went and settled in Capernaum, a lakeside town on the borders of Zebulun and Naphtali. In this way the prophecy of Isaiah was to be fulfilled. The people that lived in darkness has seen a great light; on those who dwell in the land and shadow of death a light has dawned.” (Matthew 4:12-16).

It is interesting to note that John completed his mission and gave way for Jesus to reign in his mission. It was after John’s arrest that Jesus began his mission. The Gospel of Matthew says, “From that moment Jesus began his preaching with the message, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is close at hand.” (Matthew 4:17).

To sustain his mission, Jesus called his first disciples, the fishermen, Peter, Andrew, James and John to follow him. The Gospel says that “at once they left their nets and followed him.” (Matthew 4:20). These men made a wholehearted response to Christ’s invitation. They let go their previous prestigious job and moved into a new way of living in Christ. This is a radical change. This is an expression of deep faith in Jesus Christ.

As Christians, we are invited to follow Jesus Christ with deep commitment, courage and conviction. Following Jesus Christ means entering into a personal relationship with him and valuing his teachings.

We are called to become the person God calls us to be. Our response to God’s invitation must be immediate, authentic, decisive and genuine. When we follow Jesus Christ genuinely and with faith, our lives will never remain the same. Jesus Christ continues to call us to follow him. Are we ready to leave our “nets” and follow Jesus Christ the true light?

It is well known that we need more priests in the Catholic Church. The giving of one’s whole life to the service of the Church is counter- cultural and many young people today seem not to consider it. God calls us all to a specific vocation. Let us pray that those being called to the priesthood will hear and answer that call.

As we celebrate Sunday of the Word of God today, we are once again, reminded that by Baptism, we are called and sent to spread the Good News. As followers of Jesus Christ, we are urged not to allow division and narrow mindedness prevent us from being a witness and light to others.

May God guide us by His Spirit, to choose to follow Him, so that we can experience the peace and happiness, which He wants so much to share with us now and forever. Amen.
Fr. Cornelius Nwaogwugwu, CM