From Our Pastor

01-22-2023Weekly ReflectionFr. Aruldoss, Pastor

Dear People of God,

First of all, I thank sincerely all those who helped to remove all the decorations in our three Churches. There were many hands. Hearty appreciation to them all. May our mighty God bless you with His choicest blessings.

On this third Sunday, the Scripture readings teach us that Christ has brought us from the darkness of sin into the Light of God by calling us to repentance and the acceptance of God’s rule over us.

The first reading contains the prophetic reference to Christ as the Light that dispels darkness. The second reading advises the Corinthians to live as children of the Light, avoiding divisions and rivalries, because several factions had arisen among the Corinthian Christians, each claiming allegiance to its first Christian teacher or to a particular Apostle.

In today’s Gospel passage (Mt 4:12-23), Matthew explains that what Isaiah prophesied has been fulfilled through the preaching and healing ministry of Jesus. By his ministry of inviting people to the Kingdom of God through repentance, Jesus has brought Light to peoples living in darkness, thus fulfilling God’s original promise. In addition, the Gospel describes the call of the first disciples (4:18-22), and Jesus’ own preaching, teaching, and healing ministry which has led people to repent of their sins and accept the Good News of God’s rule (the Kingdom of God). He has also chosen ordinary fishermen with no formal training in Mosaic Law to preach the Good News, and they have been very effective instruments in the hands of the Holy Spirit, continuing Jesus’ mission to the world.

Every one of us is called by God, both individually and as Church members, to be His disciple. The call is both a privilege and responsibility. The mission of preaching, teaching and healing which Jesus began in Galilee is now the responsibility of the Church and of each individual Christian. Our response to the call begins with our reception of Baptism and Confirmation, the Sacraments of Initiation. That response is meant to be strengthened through the years by the Eucharist and Reconciliation and to be made manifest in Matrimony or Holy Orders. We are healed and consoled in the Anointing. As we respond to Christ’s call, we gain spiritual strength through our personal and family prayers, our Sacramental life and our faithful study or hearing of the Bible and the Church’s teachings. Have a Happy and Blessed Sunday!

Yours in Jesus,
Fr. Doss

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