This weekend we celebrate the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time, yet from my perspective, I find this description to be only somewhat accurate. The Christmas decorations and celebrations are gone (though I am certain that I will find a needle or two from the Christmas tree for weeks to come), but I don’t think that things are ordinary.
Today’s mass readings are extraordinarily rich. The first reading from Isiah, gives a message of joy: “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light” (Isa 9:1a). And similarly in the gospel: “The people who sit in darkness have seen a great light” (Mt 4: 16a). How beautifully Isaiah prophesized the words in Matthew’s Gospel. Let’s not ignore the powerful second reading from the Letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians which tells of a time filled with division. Paul’s letter applies to us today; we are to preach the gospel.
But how do we do this? The key lies in the response from Psalm 27: “The Lord is my light and my salvation.” The Lord is guiding us, walking with us, and loving us. We need always to rely on the Lord. So, I ask that you take the time to review the readings from today’s mass. If you don’t know how else to find them, google “third Sunday in ordinary time readings.”
I know that God guides us. He gave us the readings, and I cannot help but think that they are exactly what our ears need to hear. So, embrace the gospel message of joy. Know that even St. Paul addressed the people of Corinth regarding their divisiveness and that with the Lord we can overcome division. Make this an extraordinary day.
With joy and hope,
Deacon Chris