Monday after the Epiphany January 7, 2019
Reflection on the WORD
“Light of Jesus”: In today’s Gospel, Jesus brought the “Light of His Truth” to the land of Galilee, Zebulun and Naphtali. When the “Light” of Jesus shines in the darkness of our illness, pain and suffering, how do we respond? Do we let the Light of Jesus shine through it or shield it with doubts of His Merciful Love?
Mt 4:12-17,23-24
Hearing that John had been arrested Jesus withdrew to Galilee, and leaving Nazara he went and settled in Capernaum, beside the lake, on the borders of Zebulun and Naphtali. This was to fulfil what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah: Land of Zebulun! Land of Naphtali! Way of the sea beyond Jordan. Galilee of the nations! The people that lived in darkness have seen a great light; on those who lived in a country of shadow dark as death a light has dawned.
From then onwards Jesus began his proclamation with the message, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of Heaven is close at hand.’ He went round the whole of Galilee teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and curing all kinds of disease and illness among the people. His fame spread throughout Syria, and those who were suffering from diseases and painful complaints of one kind or another, the possessed, epileptics, the paralysed, were all brought to him, and he cured them.
Today's Pointers on God's Word
As you read the passage what words, phases or meanings caught your attention?
- •Jesus continues the mission of John and tells the people to “Repent for the Kingdom of Heaven is close at hand.”
- •This message of Jesus continues to be relevant for us today. He wants us to be free of our sinful ways and habits, so that as children of God we can help build God’s Kingdom more fully.
- •Let us pray earnestly for the grace to choose God’s ways and to always be His witness to those around us.