Isaiah 8:23–9:3; Psalm 26(27); 1 Corinthians 1:10–13, 17; Matthew 4:12–23
Christ Is One for All
Dear friends, today we celebrate the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time. As we have reflected in previous Sundays, this liturgical season invites us to deepen our understanding of the Kingdom of God and our personal responsibility to belong to it. Jesus, the master teacher, situates his mission within the long history of God’s saving plan, fulfilling the words of the prophets who foretold liberation from darkness, slavery, and sin. As you live your faith, have you encountered the light, freedom, and forgiveness that Christ offers?
Both the first reading and the Gospel proclaim the arrival of a great light upon a people living in darkness. This light is Christ himself—God made man for the salvation of humanity. In biblical language, darkness symbolizes oppression, fear, sin, and hopelessness, while light signifies liberation, truth, and new life. The people of Israel knew darkness all too well: slavery, injustice, corruption, constant conflict, and spiritual alienation marked their daily existence. Peace was fragile, fear was constant, and hope seemed distant. When we look honestly at our world today, can we truly say that things are very different?
Much of this suffering arose from ignorance of God’s law and the stubbornness of leaders who refused to heed the prophets’ warnings. Because of the principle of collective responsibility, entire communities suffered the consequences of the failures of a few. Even the innocent paid a heavy price. The poor, trapped within rigid social and economic structures, had little chance of improving their lives. Sadly, this reality is not confined to ancient Israel. Do we not see similar patterns of injustice and exclusion in our societies today?
For the poor and the oppressed, hope rested solely on the promise of the Messiah. Psalm 27 captures this longing: “The Lord is my light and my salvation.” It is the cry of a person unjustly treated, yearning to dwell in the presence of the Lord forever. Today, many innocent people continue to suffer in silence. Some endure physical or psychological abuse within their own families. Others, especially children, carry deep wounds caused by constant conflict between parents. Perhaps you, or someone you know, is living in such darkness.
Adding to this suffering are modern-day impostors who claim to preach in the name of Christ but sow division instead of healing. Many sincere people searching for God’s help fall victim to these self-appointed prophets who promise instant miracles and prosperity. Families are torn apart by fear-driven preaching obsessed with curses, witchcraft, and demons, while love, forgiveness, and reconciliation are neglected. St. Paul confronts a similar situation in Corinth, where divisions arose from unhealthy attachment to particular preachers. He reminds them firmly: Christ is not divided. Have you, in any way, been affected by such divisions?
Paul learned of the conflicts in Corinth through members of Chloe’s household. Some claimed allegiance to Paul, others to Apollos or Cephas. Yet Paul insists that all these servants preach the same Christ. Even when Paul and Peter differed on administrative matters, they remained united in their mission to build up the Church. Their focus was always Christ, not personal prestige.
Unfortunately, history shows that religious leaders can lose sight of this truth. Personal ambition and self-interest sometimes overshadow the Gospel. As a result, Christianity today is fractured into countless denominations, often proclaiming contradictory messages in the name of the same Christ. For those outside the faith, this raises a troubling question: is there one Christ, or many?
In today’s Gospel, Jesus calls his first disciples and commissions them to become fishers of people—that is, instruments of salvation and unity. Yet in our time, some self-sent apostles do the opposite, creating division within families and communities. Neighbours stop greeting one another because they worship in different churches. Entire households no longer pray together. Is this the fruit of the Gospel? Do all the members of your family worship together?
Dear friends, the light of Christ already shines among us. The choice before us is clear: to remain in darkness or to step into that light. This choice requires a sincere commitment to the true values of the Kingdom of God as taught by Jesus and faithfully handed on by his apostles. Sound catechesis is essential. Sacred Scripture is not a simple book of instant answers; it is a rich and complex library of salvific writings that demands careful and faithful interpretation.
May we allow Christ, the one and undivided Light, to guide our lives, heal our divisions, and make us authentic witnesses of unity in a fractured world.
Have a blessed Sunday.
Fr. Lawrence Muthee, SVD
(see also www.svdkentan.com)
SVD JAMBO KENTAN 