Third Sunday after Epiphany
Lessons: Isaiah 9:1-4, First Corinthians 1:10-18, Matthew 4:12-23
Father Suhar was away on a special mission to Cozumel.
“He will make glorious the day of the sea”, perhaps a reference that Father John is having a great voyage.
Isaiah is discussing the awful things that occurred in the region of Galilee—the land of the tribes of Naphtali, Asher, and Zebulon. In the Eighth Century (BCE) the Assyrians invaded and shipped the most prosperous and skilled population off to Babylon and pillaged the cities and towns. During the exile, Galilee was a mixed population of Jews and Gentiles. Isaiah is encouraging the returning exiles with phrases such as, “you have increased its joy, those who have lived in deep darkness—on them a light has shined.” We will find reference to these prophetic words of comfort in the Gospel lesson. The last phrase from the OT, “ you have broken as on the day of Midian.” Isaiah is referring to an historical event: “Gideon taking a mere 300 men from the 32,000 available of the host of the children of Israel surrounded the Midianites at night. They showed their lanterns and blew their horns, this caused such great confusion among the multitudinous Midianites that they began slaying one another” (Greaterthings.com). What historical events provide us with encouragement and faith?
The gospel has multiple subjects: Jesus leaves his home in Nazareth and moves to Capernaum in Galilee when he learns that John the Baptist was arrested by Herod because he spoke out about some evil doings (Herod had taken his brothers wife for himself). In the next few verses, Matthew brings us back to Isaiah’s prophesy “people that were in darkness and the shadow of death the light has dawned”- Jesus has arrived in Galilee. To the people in Galilee Jesus had a message of redemption (to turn away) he also healed and preached in Synagogues around the Sea of Galilee.
The Fishers of men story is also included in this passage. An amazing story about Jesus calling Andrew, Peter, James, and John + the owner of the fishing consortium, Zebedee. They are persuaded to drop their nets and follow Jesus and catch men. Four fishermen become the great apostles and in time, spread the good news from Spain to Turkey. One wonders what about Zebedee? Why was he reluctant? Was his investment and ties to his processions and business the issue? Did he think long and hard and come away with, not for me, perhaps later? My sons are dreamers; they will find out soon enough and return? Perhaps, Zebedee needed more time; did he have the courage to make the move?
Submitted by Walt Jaap
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