REFLECTION
25-01-2026 Third Sunday in Ordinary Time (Matthew 4:12-23)
We know that the days are now getting longer, even if it is not obvious yet. Light is starting to make a comeback. We have turned the corner. In this morning’s gospel reading, Matthew compares the beginning of the public ministry of Jesus to the coming of the light. The people that lived in darkness have seen a great light. A new light is rising over people, the light of God’s powerful presence. The opening words of Jesus’ public ministry are, ‘the kingdom of God is at hand’. The powerful presence of God is at hand, a presence that is full of light because it is full of love. God’s presence in Jesus will mean healing for the broken and acceptance for the rejected; it will bring forgiveness to sinners and a place at table for the outsiders. This is a light to which people will be drawn, a divine light. The gospel reading speaks of large crowds following Jesus from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judaea and Transjordania. That same light rises over all of us today. The invitation of Jesus in the gospel reading today is to repent, in other words, to turn more fully towards the light of God present in Jesus, present now in the risen Lord. That call to turn is always with us and we never cease trying to respond to it ever more generously.
Fr Martin Hogan is curate in the parish of Finglas, Finglas West and Rivermount
Intercom Jan 2026
