3rd Sunday of the Year (A)

References to the Sunday Readings & Reflection: Years 2014 (A), 2015 (B), and 2016 (C)

January 26, 2014
Liturgical readings
Isaiah 8:23 - 9:3
Psalm 27
1 Corinthians 1:10-13, 17
Matthew 4:12-23

"Reform your lives. The kingdom of heaven is at hand."

After the arrest of John the Baptist, Jesus continued John's prophetic mission: announcing reform, preparing the Way for the Kingdom, and teaching a baptism for that Kingdom. The first four followers whom Jesus selected, and called for this mission, were Simon Peter, Andrew, James and John. These four men were fishermen and as such, were in contact with the "markets" and the people who transacted there. Bible scholars have made studies that give evidence of these four hearing about Jesus from their kinsfolk or townmates (most probably when they transact the selling of their catch of fish). Thus, when the Lord Himself came personally to call them, since they have some familiarity to who Jesus is from what they hear, they immediately abandoned their nets and became His followers.

From that biblical time in the first century up to the present times, the prophetic mission of Jesus continues throughout the history of the Church. If we set our attention to the year 1609 A.D., there was a book written by St. Francis de Sales, entitled "Introduction to the Devout Life". The book is an inspiration to the Church - because it says that all people, especially the laity, can also bring the light of the gospel to the world. It is the lay people's concretization of the Lord's mission to the very secular spheres in which they work and live. St. Francis de Sales emphasizes in the book that following Jesus is intended not only for the Apostles, and the clergy, but for all: soldiers, craftsmen, princes, servants, widowed, married, and unmarried - all Christians in all walks and states of life. It was a "bestseller" in its time! Because it teaches to "find God wherever we are".

John the Baptist, Jesus and Francis de Sales. Three prophetic voices. Three voices that remind us what the basics of our faith involve: reforming and amending our life, caring for others as we care for our own, and doing our part in advancing the growth of God's Kingdom on earth. What was great about the book St. Francis de Sales wrote was that he was able to integrate the lay faithful into the mission of the Church (even before Vatican II in the 1960s), making the people an extension of the clergy's mission to bring the light of the gospel to all. Since the clergy cannot enter into the "details" of family life, business, or professional life, it is their mission to guide the people generally with the light of God's Word and Sacrament. The lay faithful, on the other hand, practice what they hear and receive into all the areas they work and live. The Church, through the clergy, reminds all the lay faithful always to put God in the center of everything. And in truth, the lay faithful will always discover God wherever they are.

Scripture quotes for reflection:
Upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shone (Isaiah 8)
Wait for the Lord with courage; be stouthearted, and wait for the Lord (Psalm 27)
Let there be no factions; rather, be united in mind and judgment (1 Corinthians)
On those who inhabit a land overshadowed by death, a light has arisen (Matthew 4)