Isaiah 8:23-9:3;
Psalms 27:1, 4, 13-14;
1 Corinthians 1:10-13, 17;
Matthew 4:12-23
Today is National Bible Sunday. Funds from Holy Mass collections support the Bible Apostolate.
The Syro-Ephraim (Aram-Israel) War, 735-732 BC, was waged against Judah for refusing to join a coalition against Assyria (see 2 Kgs. 16, 2 Chr. 28, Is. 7-8). Despite Isaiah's counsel to trust in the Lord, King Ahaz sought help from the Assyrian King, Tiglath-Pileser III. The Assyrians attacked Damascus and parts of Israel.
"There is no gloom where there had been distress. Where once he degraded the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, now he has glorified the way of the Sea, the land across the Jordan, Galilee of the Nations" (v. 23). “Galilee of the Nations” was looked down upon by Jews.
"The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; upon those who lived in a land of gloom a light has shone. You have brought them abundant joy and great rejoicing" (Is. 9:1-2). "For the yoke that burdened them, the pole on their shoulder, the rod of their taskmaster, you have smashed, as on the day of Midian" (v. 3), recalling when God used Gideon to deliver Israel from Midianite oppression (see Jgs 6-7).
The people of “Galilee of the Nations,” living in darkness and gloom, are blessed, for upon them “a light has shone”—a messianic prophecy.
Paul addresses divisions in the Corinthian community: "that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and in the same purpose" (v. 10). Some boasted of who baptized them—Cephas, Apollos, or Paul. Paul emphasizes his mission: "For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the Gospel, and not with human eloquence, so that the cross of Christ might not be emptied of its meaning" (v. 17).
Jesus begins His public ministry after John’s arrest. He leaves Nazareth, settles in Capernaum by the sea in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali, fulfilling Isaiah's prophecy (see 1st Reading).
Galilee symbolizes God’s salvation beginning in places of darkness and hopelessness. Jesus brings light to the lost, forgotten, or marginalized. Galilee, where Jews and non-Jews lived together, reflects the universal nature of His mission.
"From that time on, Jesus began to preach and say, 'Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand'" (v. 17). Unlike John the Baptist, Jesus’ ministry shows the kingdom already present. The kingdom of heaven is both a present reality and future hope, representing God’s reign over believers’ hearts and ultimately over all creation.
It is not a political dominion. His words, "My kingdom is not of this world" (Jn. 18:36), highlight its transcendent nature. Present in believers’ lives ("The kingdom of heaven is within you," Lk. 17:21), it points to future fulfillment at Christ’s return (Rev. 11:15).
The kingdom is marked by righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit (Rom. 14:17). It calls for repentance—a radical transformation of values, attitudes, and behavior, as reflected in the Beatitudes. Believers live with the hope of Christ’s ultimate reign.
Almighty ever-living God, direct our actions according to your good pleasure, that in the name of your beloved Son we may abound in good works. This we pray through our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever. Amen.