Salesian Fr John Horan shares a reflection for the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time entitled ‘You are the Light of the World’.
Fr John is the rector of the Salesian Community and leads school retreats in the spirituality centre in Milford-Castletroy, Limerick.
Lectio Divina on the Gospel reading: Matthew 4:12-23
Today’s Gospel passage is from the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry. Leaving Nazareth, and his home and family, he sets out anonymously. The world which accepts him receives the salvation which it longs for. By settling in Capernaum, a city of fishermen on the shores of the Sea of Galilee, Jesus fulfils an ancient prophecy. His presence will bring light into the lives of those who dwell in darkness and in the shadow of death. A new light, a ray of hope, rises in the place where Jesus is, regardless of how backward or insignificant it may be. The promise is fulfilled, both then and now. To cease walking among the shadows and to enjoy the promise of salvation, we must turn and listen to the good news of the kingdom of God, and accept the invitation of Jesus to share his life and his mission. In this way will it come about that the people of God will see a great light, and experience again the nearness of God and feel summoned by him.
12 When Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew into Galilee; 13 and leaving Nazareth he went and dwelt in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, 14 that what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: 15 “The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, toward the sea, across the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles – 16 the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death light has dawned.” 17 From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” 18 As he walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon who is called Peter and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. 19 And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” 20 Immediately they left their nets and followed him. 21 And going on from there he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets, and he called them. 22 Immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed him. 23 And he went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and preaching the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every infirmity among the people.
Read more:
http://www.salesiansireland.ie/2014/01/third-sunday-in-ordinary-time-year-a/