Sermon Thoughts – 3rd Sunday - Ordinary time A (Mt 4, 12-23)
"The show must go on". We know this sentence:
in a song, or in some movies or sometimes in the print media.
These four words transfer a great message of life.
No matter what happens, one must continue, which is started.
It is the message of continuity.
When I read today's Gospel passage, I get the same message.
“The show must go on” ...
Yes, it must go further, and at any cost ...
The context of our gospel is clear:
John the Baptist, who “made known Messiah” or “Voice of the Messiah” is no longer alive. Some tried to bring that voice into silence. They have thrown him into prison and eventually murdered, with the thought of put an end to this annoying "preacher"; “Now I can continue to live in the peace and freedom”.
But the entry of Jesus will change everything.
He is dangerous than John the Baptist.
Because Jesus had a clear mission and task:
What the Baptist began is now found recommitted.
A strong and courageous personality is needed.
Of course, this task is left for Jesus.
For John has expressed in clear text:
“This is he of whom I said: After me cometh a man, who is preferred before me, because he was before me.” (Jn 1, 30)
Jesus proclaimed the message of joy,
- at first repent and then accept God and his Word.
Jesus chooses a different place for his start. He comes from Nazareth to Capernaum. This was a fishing village; but not only Jews lived there.
Maybe that was a major attraction that Jesus chose;
Then people who lived there were in search of a hope of life.
They sought freedom and joy especially politically and religious.
Then the people were very oppressed, first by the "foreign rulers, the Romans. Capernaum was also under the Romans rule.
More than that, they were repeatedly controlled by the rules and customs of their own religious and political leaders. They were at the "end" ...
Jesus knew he could start here: or he must start here.
His mission was for men; to proclaim and spread divine life and joy.
He had the message of hope to share, which revived in them a confidence in God.
We see that was not a bad decision of Jesus: tells us the gospel.
Then Jesus got five of his disciples from this area.
Through selecting Capernaum Jesus asserted another important and revolutionary message: God and his salvation is not restricted only to Jews, each and every one yearn for God will “see him”...
“The show must go on”. We can certainly add it as “The show must grow “..
Yes it has to go on ... It must continue to grow.
For that he calls people: people with courage and motivation.
We see this growth in the salvation history.
Jesus got more followers. His words brought life and revival.
Not only in Galilee, but the whole world was renewed in and through His Spirit. What he dreamed in a small fishing village in Capernaum became true; of course with the help of the people.
People who respected God and his words more than their own lives were co-workers of Jesus.
Dear friends, Jesus calls people to be his co-workers.
He is looking for faithful and courageous people of his kingdom.
This applies to us. This is an mission for us.
Are we ready to “leave” everything for him?
We have heard, the disciples have left everything immediately.
We had enough time to think. We have many examples in front of us.
“The show must go on”, “The show must grow “...
Jesus is calling! Come and follow me.
Let us hear his voice today, every day. Amen!
"The show must go on". We know this sentence:
in a song, or in some movies or sometimes in the print media.
These four words transfer a great message of life.
No matter what happens, one must continue, which is started.
It is the message of continuity.
When I read today's Gospel passage, I get the same message.
“The show must go on” ...
Yes, it must go further, and at any cost ...
The context of our gospel is clear:
John the Baptist, who “made known Messiah” or “Voice of the Messiah” is no longer alive. Some tried to bring that voice into silence. They have thrown him into prison and eventually murdered, with the thought of put an end to this annoying "preacher"; “Now I can continue to live in the peace and freedom”.
But the entry of Jesus will change everything.
He is dangerous than John the Baptist.
Because Jesus had a clear mission and task:
What the Baptist began is now found recommitted.
A strong and courageous personality is needed.
Of course, this task is left for Jesus.
For John has expressed in clear text:
“This is he of whom I said: After me cometh a man, who is preferred before me, because he was before me.” (Jn 1, 30)
Jesus proclaimed the message of joy,
- at first repent and then accept God and his Word.
Jesus chooses a different place for his start. He comes from Nazareth to Capernaum. This was a fishing village; but not only Jews lived there.
Maybe that was a major attraction that Jesus chose;
Then people who lived there were in search of a hope of life.
They sought freedom and joy especially politically and religious.
Then the people were very oppressed, first by the "foreign rulers, the Romans. Capernaum was also under the Romans rule.
More than that, they were repeatedly controlled by the rules and customs of their own religious and political leaders. They were at the "end" ...
Jesus knew he could start here: or he must start here.
His mission was for men; to proclaim and spread divine life and joy.
He had the message of hope to share, which revived in them a confidence in God.
We see that was not a bad decision of Jesus: tells us the gospel.
Then Jesus got five of his disciples from this area.
Through selecting Capernaum Jesus asserted another important and revolutionary message: God and his salvation is not restricted only to Jews, each and every one yearn for God will “see him”...
“The show must go on”. We can certainly add it as “The show must grow “..
Yes it has to go on ... It must continue to grow.
For that he calls people: people with courage and motivation.
We see this growth in the salvation history.
Jesus got more followers. His words brought life and revival.
Not only in Galilee, but the whole world was renewed in and through His Spirit. What he dreamed in a small fishing village in Capernaum became true; of course with the help of the people.
People who respected God and his words more than their own lives were co-workers of Jesus.
Dear friends, Jesus calls people to be his co-workers.
He is looking for faithful and courageous people of his kingdom.
This applies to us. This is an mission for us.
Are we ready to “leave” everything for him?
We have heard, the disciples have left everything immediately.
We had enough time to think. We have many examples in front of us.
“The show must go on”, “The show must grow “...
Jesus is calling! Come and follow me.
Let us hear his voice today, every day. Amen!
-
Fr Thomas Kalathil
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