3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time
“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shone” – Isaiah’s familiar words live on! These words prophesied the coming of the divine light and hope of salvation, Jesus Christ!
The readings today beckon us to unite as one people dedicated to fulfilling the mission Jesus taught us. In summary, it is clear, yet quite challenging, to love one another as God loves us. If we love one another, we cannot hurt one another. If we love one another, we must forgive one another. If we love one another, we must be willing to give of ourselves to one another unselfishly.
Jesus instructed the people to “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” We all have sinned. We see sin causing divisions in our own families and among neighbors, in our nation, and in countries throughout the world. Can we envision a world where all unite in mind and purpose according to God’s will! Can we begin by acknowledging and repenting of our sinfulness? Let us open our eyes to recognizing the need for peace by taking the first step toward promoting peace through love.
Not all of us are blessed with the eloquence of preaching. However, we are all called to live the Gospel message Jesus taught us through the actions of love and charity we perform when we give to our brothers and sisters. Perhaps we may need to silence all the outside voices that distract us and simply listen to the hearts of our neighbors. We have a very clear path through prayer to hearing the loving voice of God. Through prayer, we can invoke God’s power to shed light on this world, to establish love and peace, and to abolish sin and darkness.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, one thing I ask for is to dwell in your house all the days of my life. I thank you for the gift of my life and the many gifts you bestow on my life each day, most especially for those gifts that I may not have recognized! Be with me, Lord, as I strive to walk in the pathway you set before me. May I be a beacon of your light, love, and peace to all I encounter. Amen.
