3rd Sunday in the Ordinary Time: Light Out of Darkness

01-22-2023Weekly ReflectionFr. Bing Colasito

The reading from Isaiah is paired with the Gospel because Matthew sees the prophecy of Isaiah fulfilled in Jesus’ revelation of Himself in the region of Galilee. During this time, the kingdom of Israel was divided into two (2), Northern Israel and Southern Judah. Both, unfortunately, were in a state of decadence and destruction. So, when the Assyrians, the dominant empire of the time, expanded to their southern borders, they invaded the northern tribes of Israel, the land of Zebulun and Naphtali was the first to be destroyed; and experienced darkness. These two tribes of Galilee were once - allotted to the two Sons of Jacob and part of the twelve tribes of Israel.

The point of Isaiah is that; this region, experienced its light extinguished and fell into darkness, will someday be the first place to see the light. The Galilee of the Gentiles, the people who sit in darkness, have seen a great light; on those dwelling in a land overshadowed by death, a light has arisen. Isaiah describes the gloom and darkness of this land turning into light and joy. The prophet was proclaiming the hopes for the future of this part of the land. In this place of darkness and gloom, the restoration of Israel will start, not a political awakening but a building up of interior freedom and joy to those in spiritual darkness rooted in sinful actions and spiritual oppressions.

It is sad to say, but many areas of our world now are like Zebulun and Naphtali, living in darkness. There are two kinds of living in darkness. 1.) Darkness from ignorance; the uninformed and the misinformed, ignorance of the source of light, God Himself. 2.) Darkness caused by sin; consequence of moving away from God Himself.

Galilee may not be an ideal place to start a prophetic ministry because it was a suspected territory. Many false prophets came from that land, known to have mixed with the Canaanites and the Assyrians. Yet, Jesus, choses to start His ministry in this part of Israel - fulfilling the prophecy: The people who sits in darkness have seen a great light. He looks at these people differently. Yes! They were weak in Jewish orthodoxy compared to their Judean brothers, but they were more receptive to hear about the Kingdom of God. Their mixed race and exposure to other cultures taught them to be less self-righteous and more appreciative of others. In spite of this condition, Jesus, choses to see the positive qualities of these Galileans.

In Galilee, Jesus calls His first disciples, Andrew and Peter, probably not His first contact with them. - From Jewish Orthodoxy standard, they were the most unlikely candidates because nothing from their background prepared them for a mission. Jesus does not call people; because of their perfection but for their receptivity or willingness - the disciples are the first to benefit from His unconditional love.

They left their nets and followed Jesus. Following Jesus does not make as a hermit, a monk, or a contemplative. Our calling brings us back to the world, but its power no longer has hold over us; instead, the power of Jesus’ WORDS brings LIGHT where we are and in whatever situations. The word of God Sunday reminds us to study and live by God’s Word. The word of God is a gift with the power to transform, but like any other gifts, it is to be shared. Everyone has the potential to be the light that shines in darkness, provided we remain faithful to the task; God has called us.