Darkness dispelled

Reflection

The heart of Jesus’ proclamation is given in today’s Gospel. As is often noted, the word “repent” is not the best translation of the original Greek and it would be better to use some other expression such as “convert.” It really means a new way of looking at everything, a new mind or outlook. It may of course include being sorry about the past, but the real energy is towards the future: “convert and put your trust in the Good News.” We could put it like this: from what are we called to conversion is important; more important is towards what are we being called?

Reading

Isaiah 8:23-9:3 (9:1-4); Psalm 27(26); 1 Corinthians 1:10-13, 17; Matthew 4:12-23

Meditation (Matthew 4;12-23)

Jesus moved to Capernaum to establish a home there, a home that would be secure and give him a base for his future ministry. Where have you found a secure base for your life and work?

“The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light” … Jesus applies this to himself and his message. Who have been the Jesus people who have been a source of light to you? Have you been such a light for others?

“From that time Jesus began to proclaim….” This marks a turning point in the life of Jesus. From now on his mission was clear to him and he spoke out. Can you recall turning points in your life after which the future became more clear?

His message was a call to repentance, to a change of attitude toward God, from seeing God as one to be feared to seeing God as a God of love. When have you heard that call in your life? What was it like for you?

Jesus invited disciples to join him in his mission. What have been the occasions in your life when you have had an invitation to join someone in a great project? What was that like for you? Have you given that invitation to others?

In responding, the disciples “left their nets” to follow Jesus. Sometimes we have to disentangle ourselves from other things to give ourselves freely and wholeheartedly to a commitment. Have you experienced being “enmeshed” and being free?

In v. 23 we have a summary of the ministry of Jesus – “proclaiming the good news of the kingdom” and witnessing to this by teaching and healing. Who has been such a witness to you? What have been the signs that accompanied their witness? When have you done this yourself?