Daily Readings - Sun Jan 26 2020
Isaiah
1But there will be no gloom for her who was in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time he has made glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations.2The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shined.3You have multiplied the nation; you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as they are glad when they divide the spoil.4For the yoke of his burden, and the staff for his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian.
1 Corinthians
10I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.11For it has been reported to me by Chloe's people that there is quarreling among you, my brothers.12What I mean is that each one of you says, "I follow Paul," or "I follow Apollos," or "I follow Cephas," or "I follow Christ."13Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?17For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.18For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
Matthew
12Now when he heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew into Galilee.13And leaving Nazareth he went and lived in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali,14so that what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled:15"The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles--16the people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light, and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death, on them a light has dawned."17From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the themes of light, unity, and the call to repentance. In the first reading from Isaiah, we hear of a people who have walked in darkness but have now seen a great light. This prophecy speaks of a time when God’s presence will bring hope and liberation to those living in the shadow of death. The passage is set in a time when Israel was oppressed, longing for deliverance, and Isaiah’s words point to a future where God’s light will break through the darkness. This light is not just a metaphor but a promise of salvation and restoration.
In the Gospel, Matthew shows us how this prophecy is fulfilled in Jesus. After hearing of John the Baptist’s arrest, Jesus withdraws to Galilee, a region often looked down upon by the Jewish leaders. By settling in Capernaum, near the borders of Zebulun and Naphtali, Jesus is deliberately fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy. He begins his ministry by preaching a simple yet profound message: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” This call to repentance is not about fear or condemnation but about turning back to God and embracing the light of His kingdom. Jesus’ presence in Galilee signifies that God’s light is not confined to a select few but is available to all, especially those on the margins.
The second reading from 1 Corinthians reminds us that this light of Christ is not just for individuals but also calls us to unity. Paul urges the Corinthians to avoid divisions and to speak with one mind and judgment. He emphasizes that Christ is not divided and that our unity is rooted in the power of the cross. The cross, which may seem foolish to the world, is the source of God’s power and wisdom for those who believe. These readings, taken together, remind us that we are called to live as people of light, united in Christ, and to share this light with a world still walking in darkness. May we, like the people of Galilee, open our hearts to the light of Christ and allow it to transform our lives.