First Reading: Isaiah 8:23-9:3
Reflection:
In about 930 B.C. the kingdom of Israel divided into the Northern Kingdom and the Southern Kingdom due to a dispute. In about 722 B.C., the Assyrians destroyed the Northern Kingdom and deported its people. Isaiah, a prophet of the Southern Kingdom, was writing soon after the north’s destruction. Here he names a number of the territories of the north (“Zebulun,” “Naphtali,” “the seaward road,” “the land west of the Jordan,” and “the district of the Gentiles”) and speaks of their restoration. In the midst of their darkness, God would raise up a light. In its original context, this could have referred to political restoration, but this Sunday’s gospel reading makes clear that it ultimately refers to Jesus, who is the light of the world.
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:10-13, 17
Reflection:
The Apostle Paul directly addresses a serious problem in the Corinthian church: divisiveness. Apparently, factions had developed, resulting in a lack of unity among the believers. The believers in Corinth were divided over who to follow. They were associating themselves with early Christian leaders and likely arguing about who was the best (Paul, Apollos, Cephas [Peter], or Christ Himself). Paul emphasizes that Christ is the only one to follow. Just because Paul may have converted some of them, it is still Christ who died for them and in whose name they were baptized. In other words, Christians are disciples of Jesus, not anyone else. Jesus is the source of Christian unity, who binds us together and leads us into the truth, for He is “the way and the truth and the life” (Jn. 14:6).
Gospel Reading: Matthew 4:12-23
Reflection:
Matthew records Jesus’ re-location from Nazareth to Capernaum and frames it as fulfillment of the Old Testament prophesy in the first reading. Capernaum was located at the intersection of the ancient Israelite tribes of Zebulun and Naphtali, on the northern side of the Sea of Galilee. This area had been decimated by the Assyrians, thus bringing ruin to some of the 12 tribes of Israel. Matthew shows that Jesus comes to this region in order to restore what had been broken. Jesus is the Davidic king and, therefore, He came to rebuild the Davidic kingdom. Yet, He did not do this in the way that was expected. Rather than establishing an earthly kingdom, He established a new heavenly kingdom, namely, the Church. Jesus restored the twelve tribes of Israel by choosing twelve Apostles. This passage recounts his calling of His inner core of Apostles–Peter, James, and John–who were all from this northern region of Galilee. These Apostles were called to be “fishers of men,” which meant that they would help gather the nations into the kingdom, which is the Church.
Application:
- Like the Corinthian believers, Christians today can easily become divisive. Disagreements often arise over preferences for one way of doing something over another, or differences in doctrine. Yet, Christ desires for His followers to be united. This unity involves having “the same mind” and “the same purpose.” Ultimately, it involves focusing on following Jesus together and seeking the truth, which is found in its fullness in Jesus and His Church. Think of another Christian who you have had a disagreement with or haven’t gotten along with well recently. Take time this week to pray for them and, if appropriate, seek to reconcile with them.
- Jesus called His first disciples to be “fishers of men,” meaning that they would help grow the Church by sharing the truth of Christ with others. As Christians, Jesus is also calling us to be “fishers of men.” Think of who in your life needs Christ and take steps to share Him with them.
