Today we return to Ordinary Time in the liturgical calendar. After the many celebrations of the past weeks, the Church now invites us into a season of growth, maturity, and deepening in our spiritual journey. Ordinary Time is not ordinary in the sense of being unimportant; rather, it is the time when our faith is meant to take root and bear fruit in daily life.
The first reading from the Book of Isaiah speaks of a people who once walked in darkness but have now seen a great light. This light refers to the coming of the Messiah. Indeed, the Lord is our refuge, our light, and our salvation. God does not abandon His people in darkness. He draws near, especially in moments of struggle and difficulty, to rescue and restore us.
Isaiah’s prophecy finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Through Him, God breaks into our darkness with hope, healing, and new life.
In the second reading, from the First Letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians, Paul urges the Christian community to remain united. He pleads with them to stop their divisions and remember that they were baptized in the name of Christ. Paul’s message is strikingly relevant today. We belong to Christ—not to political parties, ideologies, or personalities. Just as Galilee was a divided region and the early Church struggled with conflict, we too face divisions in our world and even within the Church. Paul reminds us that unity is essential if we are to truly proclaim the Gospel of Jesus. This is also related to the call of the pontificate of Pope Leo XIV, which is not about ideology, or making himself famous, it is about unity in Christ through dialogue and relationships.
Today’s Gospel marks the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry. What lessons can we draw from this Gospel passage?
First, the evangelist Matthew emphasizes that Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s promises. Isaiah foretold that the Messiah would begin His ministry in Galilee, the land of the Gentiles. By choosing Galilee, Jesus reveals that God’s salvation is meant for all people, especially those on the margins.
Second, we hear the call of the first disciples—Peter and Andrew, James and John. They are fishermen, ordinary men, not scholars or religious elites. When Jesus calls them, they immediately leave everything behind to follow Him. The Gospel tells us little about their prior encounters with Jesus, but we can imagine that His words, His way of life, and His presence stirred something deep within their hearts. Jesus’ call is clear and direct: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” He invites them to turn their lives around and follow Him completely.
The mission of spreading the Gospel now depends on these disciples—and on us. We, too, are called to continue Jesus’ mission in our own time and place.
Third, the Gospel concludes with a description of Jesus’ ministry in Galilee. He teaches in synagogues, proclaims the Kingdom of God, and heals every disease and illness among the people. These acts of healing are signs that the Kingdom of God is already present. In Jesus, we catch a glimpse of what God’s reign looks like—restoration, compassion, and wholeness.
As disciples of the Lord, we are also called to be light for others. Today’s readings bring us a powerful message of hope, calling, and unity. God brings light even in the darkest moments of our lives.
Jesus calls ordinary people to follow Him. In His time, rabbis usually chose only the most gifted students. But Jesus does something radically different—He calls fishermen, workers, ordinary people. He does not choose them because they are perfect or highly skilled, but because they are willing. God does not call us based on our achievements; He calls us as we are.
Each of us has a unique way of sharing our faith, regardless of background, talents, or limitations. Jesus sees our potential even when we cannot. He does not ask us to be perfect before following Him. He only asks for a willing heart.
We may feel unqualified or unsure, but Jesus believes in what God can accomplish through us. Let us trust that God can use our lives for His purpose. All that is needed is openness, courage, and a heart ready to follow.
God bless you.
Fr. Arlon, OSA
