January 25, 2026 - Third Sunday of Ordinary Time
Dear Sisters and Brothers,
The readings for the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time draw us into a powerful movement—from darkness to light, from division to unity, and from ordinary life into discipleship. The prophet Isaiah speaks to a people who know hardship, uncertainty, and exile. Yet into that darkness comes a promise: God does not abandon His people. Light will shine where despair once ruled. This is not merely poetic imagery; it is a declaration of hope. God’s saving action begins precisely where human strength fails.
Matthew’s Gospel shows this prophecy coming to life in Jesus. After John the Baptist is arrested, Jesus begins His public ministry not in Jerusalem, but in Galilee—an overlooked, mixed, and often marginalized region. This detail matters. God’s light does not wait for ideal conditions or perfect people. It breaks into the real world, into places of struggle and complexity.
Jesus’ first proclamation is simple and demanding: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Repentance here is not just about sorrow for sin; it means a change of direction, a reorientation of life toward God’s reign. The kingdom is not distant—it is near, already unfolding in Jesus Himself. Immediately after this proclamation, Jesus calls His first disciples. Peter, Andrew, James, and John are ordinary fishermen, busy with nets, boats, and family responsibilities. Yet when Jesus calls, they respond at once. Their response reminds us that discipleship is not about having everything figured out, but about trusting the One who calls.
St. Paul, in his letter to the Corinthians, reminds us that this call to follow Christ must lead to unity, not division. The early Church struggled—as we still do—with factions, preferences, and personalities. Paul’s question cuts through the noise: “Is Christ divided?” When we center our faith on Christ rather than on leaders, labels, or ideologies, we rediscover the unity that flows from the Cross.
Taken together, today’s readings invite us to reflect on three essential questions: Where do I need God’s light to break into my own darkness? What nets—habits, fears, comforts—might I need to leave behind to follow Jesus more freely? How can I be an instrument of unity rather than division in my family, parish, and community?
The Good News is that Jesus still walks along the shores of our lives. He still calls. He still heals, teaches, and proclaims the kingdom. The question is not whether the light is shining—but whether we are willing to step into it. As we celebrate this Sunday, may we listen anew to the Word of God, allow it to shape our hearts, and follow Christ with renewed faith and courage.
God bless everyone always!!!
Fr. Stan
