Third Sunday in Ordinary Time (1/22/23)

January 22, 2023

Scripture

Isaiah 8:23—9:3 is a prophecy in the Bible that describes a time of darkness and oppression in the land of Israel, but also speaks of a future time when a child will be born who will bring light and hope to the people. The passage says, "And the people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone... For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." This passage is traditionally understood as a prophecy of the coming of Jesus Christ, who is believed by Christians to be the Messiah and the bringer of salvation.

1 Corinthians 1:10-13,17 is a passage from the New Testament of the Bible that speaks about the unity of the believers in the Corinthian church. The passage says, "I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment. For it has been reported to me by Chloe's people that there is quarreling among you, my brothers. What I mean is that each one of you says, 'I follow Paul,' or 'I follow Apollos,' or 'I follow Cephas,' or 'I follow Christ.' Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?" The passage highlights the importance of unity among the believers, and it emphasizes that they should all follow Christ, rather than being divided by their loyalty to different human leaders. The passage also emphasizes the importance of being baptized in the name of Jesus, which the early Christian communities understood as a rite of initiation into the new covenant in Jesus Christ.

Haiku

Word of God shines,
Guiding us through life's dark path,
Hope for all to find.

Limerick

There once was a Word of God day
When the faithful would kneel and pray
With scripture in hand
They'd make a stand
For the truth that will always stay.

Reflection

Today, on Word of God Sunday, we hear from the prophet Isaiah, the letter to the Corinthians, and the gospel of Matthew. Each of these readings reminds us of the power and importance of the Word of God in our lives.

Isaiah 8:23-9:3 speaks of the coming of a child who will be a light to the nations. This child is a symbol of hope and salvation for the people of Israel, who were living in darkness and oppression. In the same way, the Word of God brings light and hope to us in our own lives. It guides us on the path of righteousness and helps us to see the truth in a world filled with darkness and confusion.

In 1 Corinthians 1:10-13,17, Paul reminds us that the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. The message of the Word of God may not always be popular or understood by the world, but it has the power to save us and bring us closer to God. It is through the Word of God that we come to know and understand the love of God and our own worth as children of God.

Matthew 4:12-23 tells the story of Jesus beginning his public ministry. He calls his first disciples, Simon and Andrew, James and John, and tells them to follow him and he will make them "fishers of men" (v.19). These men left behind their former lives to follow Jesus, to be taught by him and to become fishers of men themselves, spreading the good news of the kingdom of God. In the same way, we are called to leave behind our old ways and to follow Jesus, to be taught by him and to spread his word to others.

In the Catechism of the Catholic Church, we are taught that the Word of God is living and active (CCC 105). It is through the Word of God that we come to know and understand the mystery of God, and it is through the Word of God that we are transformed and made holy. On this Word of God Sunday, let us recommit ourselves to reading and studying the Word of God, so that we may be filled with the light and hope that it brings.

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