St James Catholic Church

Twice today we hear the words “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.”  Even though we just heard these words a month ago at Christmas, it’s good to hear them again.  Jesus began his mission by fulfilling the words of the great prophet Isaiah.

Throughout his Gospel, Matthew reminds his audience that Jesus is the one who fulfills all the prophecies from the Old Testament regarding the one who was to come.  Already he has laid out Jesus’ genealogy to show that he is of the house of David.  Also he was born of a virgin, born in the town of Bethlehem, later to come out of Egypt and grow up in Nazareth.  Now he reminds them that, after his baptism, he went to Galilee, to the region of Zebulun and Naphtali, just as Isaiah had prophesied.  It is no coincidence that the first reading, nearly every Sunday since the first of December has been from the prophet Isaiah.  Unlike Luke, Matthew does not precede the story of calling of the first apostles, fishermen, by relating the story of a miraculous catch of fish.  Perhaps this is because he trusts that Simon, Andrew, James, and John, like his Jewish audience, would already recognize in Jesus the fulfillment of the ancient prophecies.

Only after they are called does Jesus embark on his mission: teaching, preaching, and healing.  But, Isaiah included them in to what Jesus would do, this light in a land overshadowed by death, glorifying the road between Jewish and Gentile lands, proclaiming Good News of abundant joy and destroying the burdens of disease and illness.

We have just completed the week of prayer for Christian unity, in which we hear this reading from Paul decrying the divisions within the Church in Corinth.  As disciples ourselves, we have a responsibility to work for unity, for in Christ there can be no division.  Christ transcends all human leaders who can claim adherents while excluding others.  How can I build unity in my family, parish, or community?

Love, Peace, Joy,

Fr. Bob