Third Sunday of the Year: A: January 25, 2026

                                JESUS' CALL TO DISCIPLESHIP

Introduction: 'The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light'. St. Matthew describes the impact of Jesus' ministry in the above sentence. The light of Jesus frees us from the slavery of sin and darkness and lights up the road to heaven for us, in the midst of drudgery of this life. Jesus' light brings, healing not wounds, freedom not oppression, life not death. We are invited to become the source of light to others, a lamp for their paths. 

First Reading: Isaiah 9: 1 to 4

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

Gospel Reading: Matthew 4: 12 to 23

   *First reading is from the book of prophet Isaiah. Isaiah foresees the future glory of an oppressed and suppressed people of Israel. Three-fold changes are mentioned: Darkness will be re-placed by light; sorrow will be re-placed with joy and oppression will be re-placed by freedom. The prophecy of Isaiah finds its fulfilment 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 various polarizations 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 Gospel. 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 is narrated. The setting is the sea of Galilee: In the land of Zebulum 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 or road maps of what discipleship would lead them to. All that is promised by the Lord is that they will be made fishers of men. Immediately, they leave their boats and their nets (the sum total of their possessions) and follow the Lord. We too are called by the Lord to follow Him and to be His witnesses and to be fishers of men and women. We fulfil 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 the Lord is called to continue the mission of Jesus. In this context the great theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer says: "Discipleship is not limited to what you comprehend, it must transcend all comprehensions." Further he adds: "Discipleship is not hero worship but intimacy with Christ." 

Conclusion: As we are reminded of the call of the first disciples, we need to do the following: First of all, we need to appreciate our call to be disciples of Jesus. Everyone of us is called by the Lord. This call is both a privilege and a responsibility. The mission of preaching, teaching and healing which Jesus started in Galilee is now the responsibility of each of us. Secondly we need to proclaim the good news of the Kingdom of God. Each of us has received the unique call to preach the good news of God's love, mercy, forgiveness and salvation. Let us continue the mission of Jesus in all situations of life. 

May the Lord Jesus, who invited the first disciples to follow Him, bless you with conviction and courage to follow Him every day of your life. Amen. 

(Kindly note: Sunday Reflections with Fr. Joy Joseph is available on YouTube. Please view, like, share and subscribe to the video version on YouTube. "YouTube/Sunday Reflections with Fr. Joy Joseph, January 25, 2026)