Third Sunday in Ordinary Time – Sunday of the Word of God
Gospel: Matthew 4:12-23
The Word of God: Calling People to Follow Him

Our emotions often change with the environment, and our bodies react accordingly to these emotional shifts. These reactions can affect our relationships with others: when we are positive, our connections are joyful; when negative, they may fracture, even leading to conflict; when pessimistic, we can spread that pessimism to those around us.

Like the people living in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali—among the Gentiles—who often grieved under the shadow of death, we too may feel trapped in sadness. But today, Jesus Christ, the true light of the world for all, comes to them, proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom, comforting their sorrowful hearts, and rekindling in them the hope of eternal life through His love.

When Jesus called Simon Peter, Andrew, James, and John, they were busy with their livelihoods as fishermen. Immediately after His call, they left everything behind—their nets, their boats, their old way of life—and chose to follow Him.

Through Baptism and the anointing of the Holy Spirit, we too have been freed from the bondage of sin and death, becoming children of God, a holy nation, a chosen people. We are called to imitate Christ daily, living the joy of the Gospel so that others may see God’s infinite mercy in us and be moved to renounce their own attachments and turn to Him, journeying toward holiness.

St. Simon Peter, St. Andrew, St. James, St. John, you generously obeyed the Word of God, leaving everything to follow Him. Pray for us, that we may be worthy of proclaiming His Word to the world. Amen.

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