Every Sunday, Bishop Edward Malesic writes a Scripture reflection for the faithful. Follow the bishop on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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In 2019, Pope Francis declared that the Third Sunday of Ordinary Time would also be celebrated as the Sunday of the Word of God. He invited the whole Church to reflect more deeply on the importance of God’s Word in our lives and in our liturgy. Today’s Gospel gives us a wonderful opportunity to do just that.
In this passage from Matthew’s Gospel, chapter four, we hear that Jesus begins his public ministry after learning of the death of John the Baptist. Yet the message that comes from God—whether spoken by John or by Jesus—is the same:
“Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.”
Matthew will return to this theme again and again, mentioning the Kingdom of Heaven more than thirty times. Clearly, it is a message we are meant to hear. It is the very message Jesus entrusted to his apostles and sent them into the world to proclaim. It is the central message of the Church.
Jesus inaugurates the Kingdom of Heaven—also called the Kingdom of God. We are still waiting for its fulfillment, when Christ will return in glory and God will be all in all. Yet even now, the reign of God has begun in us. We are called to live as citizens under God’s rule, even as we await the fullness of the Kingdom on earth.
On this Sunday of the Word of God, we are also nourished by the story of Jesus calling his first disciples. These men were hardworking, blue-collar laborers—people who lived hidden, ordinary lives. And yet, when Jesus called them, they left everything behind: their work, their security, their familiar way of life, in order to follow him.
So what does this Scripture say to us?
Here is one thought: when we truly hear the call of Jesus, it changes our direction. A person who has encountered Christ cannot remain the same. While most of us are not asked to leave our jobs, as Peter and Andrew, James and John were, we are asked to devote ourselves in a new and radical way to the One we call our Lord.
Over time, we will be asked to love as he has loved us. That kind of love always involves sacrifice—a gift of ourselves to Christ, in imitation of Christ, who first gave himself for us.
Or, to use Jesus’ own words:
“Repent—change your hearts and lives—for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.”
Happy Sunday of the Word of God. Have a blessed week everyone.