Third Sunday of the Year: A: January 22, 2023

        JESUS' CALL TO DISCIPLESHIP

First Reading: Isaiah 9: 1-4

Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 1: 10-13 and 17

Gospel Reading: Matthew 4: 12-23

   *First reading is from the book of Prophet Isaiah. Isaiah predicts the future glory of an oppressed and suppressed people of Israel. Threefold changes are mentioned: Darkness will be replaced by light ; sorrow will be replaced with joy and oppression will be replaced by freedom. The prophecy of Isaiah finds its fulfillment in Jesus the Son of God who comes as the light and liberator of the world. 

   *Second reading is from the first letter of St. Paul to Corinthians. Paul speaks about the polarization taking place in the Christian community at Corinth. He denounces this situation in very strong terms and pleads with them to be united in mind and heart to be healed of their divisions. The Apostle reminds them that all Christians are united in the Lord and hence they should live in unity and peace without giving room for divisions and dissensions. 

I will make you fishers of men                                                                     Today's Gospel reading is from St. Matthew. Two vibrant themes are mentioned. In the first part, the inauguration of Jesus' public ministry in a land of gloom and darkness is narrated. Jesus begins His mission with the simple invitation to "REPENT". The repentance demanded by Jesus from His followers implies willingness to sacrifice and make radical changes in their value systems. In the second part, the call of the first disciples of Jesus is narrated. The setting is the sea of Galilee in the land of Zebulun and Naphtali. Jesus calls Simon Peter, his brother Andrew and two others - James and his brother John. Walking along the shore, Jesus calls them to leave their fishing nets and to follow Him. There is no hint about where they are going. There are no details of what the discipleship would lead them to. All that is promised by Jesus is that they will be made fishers of men. Immediately, they leave their boats, their nets (their total possessions) and follow the Lord. We are called by the Lord to follow Him and to be His witnesses and to be fishers of men and women. We fulfill this mission of Jesus whenever we reach out in love to others; to heal them and to comfort them in their sorrows and downfalls. To be fishers of men and women is not a metaphor. It is a mission from, through and in Christ. Every follower of Jesus is called to continue this mission.

"Discipleship is not limited to what you comprehend - it must transcend all comprehensions." - Dietrich Bonhoeffer

"Discipleship is relationship." - T. Bonifacio

"Discipleship is not hero worship but intimacy with Christ." - Dietrich Bonhoeffer