Readings: 1 John 3:22-4:6, Ps. 2:7-8,10-11, Matthew 4:12-17,23-25
“We receive from him whatever we ask because we keep his commandments and do what pleases him.” (1 John 3:22)
- Upon hearing of John the Baptist’s arrest, Jesus knew it was time to begin His public ministry. Since John the Baptist was his friend, Jesus felt bad but was not depressed. Jesus used His sadness as motivation to begin something great and beautiful: the preaching of the kingdom of God.
- Bad things happen to good people. It is not what happens that matters; it is how you react to it. Life could sometimes throw you a punch. Remember that nobody has it all rosy. Don’t look for sympathisers; nobody is interested in seeing your tears or hearing your complaints. Your pity story will only make sense after you have made it. Just move on for now. Get going as Jesus did.
- Do you notice that Jesus did not even seek justice for John the Baptist? Not one word of insult or hatred against Herod. There is nothing wrong with fighting for justice. Jesus could have gone to court or staged a protest, but He had a limited time to finish his assignment on earth. It is better to focus on the bird at hand than to burn oneself over the hundred roaming about.
- We pray in the 14th Station of the Cross: “You have completed your work. What is left is mine, that of my fellow men, that of your church. The teachings you could not impart, let us impart. The sufferings you could not bear, let us bear. The work of love you could not do in your short life on earth, let us do. All through you, for you are all in all.” This was exactly what Jesus said to John the Baptist when he withdrew to Galilee.
- Jesus borrowed John the Baptist’s very words at the beginning of his preaching ministry: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Matthew 3:2). Why would the Master use the same words in preaching as the messenger who did not consider himself worthy enough to untie His sandals? There must be something very important about this message of repentance. If we must come to God, something has to change within us.
- To fill their churches, many preachers say: “God loves you as you are. Come the way you are.” This is why people now dress half-naked to church, and ushers now look like ladies working in nightclubs. This is why secular artists have taken over the music departments of our churches. Darkness and light cannot coexist. We cannot have darkness within us and claim fellowship with God. Don’t come as you are – change! Change to something better; you are coming into the King’s presence! This is not a social gathering. You are not here to sell your body. You are here to worship God.
- Jesus’ entrance to the region of Zebulon and Naphtali fulfilled Isaiah’s prophecy: “The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light.” This reminds me of the star that led the Magi to Jesus. To know Jesus is to be attracted to His light. If this light perches on you, you become part of it. Instead of darkness (hatred, bitterness, malice, animosity), you begin to emanate love. In today’s first reading, St. John said: “This is his commandment, that we should believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another.” (1 John 3:23).
- Also, if this light perches on you, you follow it where it leads you, like the Magi. They left their homes (like Abraham, who left his father’s house) and followed the star. Again, like Jesus’ disciples who left their lucrative businesses to become fishers of men, you stop loving the world and its luxuries because you now fix your gaze on heaven. St. John says: “They are of the world…. We are of God… he who is not of God does not listen to us.” (1 John 4:5-6)
- Beginning with the message of repentance, Matthew tells us that Jesus went about “healing every disease and every infirmity among the people… all the sick, those afflicted with various diseases and pains, demoniacs, epileptics, and paralytics” (Matthew 4:23-24). Repentance brings healing. Repentance is saying “No” to the devil to allow God into your life. Where God is, sickness, disease, stagnation, demonic possession, etc., cannot remain.
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, fill us with light, make us stars directing people to you, and may our lives become our gifts to you. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Monday after Epiphany Sunday Liturgical Colour: White. Bible Study: 1 John 3:22-4:6, Ps. 2:7-8, 10- 11, Matthew 4:12-17, 23- 25).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu