Isaiah 8:23-9:3; 1 Corinthians 1:10-13,17; Matthew 4:12-23
King Ahaz had tried to conquer Jerusalem but was unsuccessful. He was now vulnerable and worried about an attack from his enemies, but God asked Isaiah to speak to him and give him hope. He just needed to trust in God.
However, Ahaz doesn’t want to ask God for a sign. Despite the warnings Isaiah communicates to him, he looks for help elsewhere. Negative thoughts, fear and turning to spirits rather than God is like turning away from the light and life God offers.
While there would be many religions and beliefs in the area, God promises the great light for all, including the ‘Galilee of the Gentiles’. This great light for those who have been working in darkness will bring joy into their lives. Their yoke will vanish once they trust in God.
In his letter to the Corinthians, Paul complains about the division among the people. Corinth was a cosmopolitan city in the time of Paul. People of diverse backgrounds and religions lived together. When Paul spreads the Good News, he repeatedly uses the analogy of many parts and one body. Each body part is different and yet important to make together the whole body.
Believing in Jesus Christ, his death and resurrection, means that there is a new unity despite the diversity of people. Today, people involved in ecumenism are often facing similar challenges. The Christians of all denominations are followers of Christ and baptised in His name. So, there shouldn’t be any division.
Paul strongly rejects the division among Christians, and so he reminds the readers that the unity in believing in the Good News is the foundation of our faith. Without the crucifixion, without Jesus dying on the cross as our saviour, Christianity would be on shaky ground.
Contrary to the philosophers, the believers in Christ might not be able to articulate their faith and might be called ‘foolish’ or ‘weak’, but they are called to stay strong: “God chose the foolish of the world to shame the wise, and God chose the weak of the world to shame the strong”. (1 Corinthians 1:27)
The unity in belief in one God and in Jesus Christ, will bring light to the people. The trust in God, knowing that God would not leave us behind, is our ‘enlightenment’.
Jesus is travelling in the same Galilee of the Gentiles to which Isaiah referred when searching for John the Baptist. Just like John used to call people to repent and to believe, Jesus is now calling for people to repent and to believe. His message is so powerful that the brothers Peter and Andrew as well as James and John follow him without hesitation.
Jesus’ preaching brings light and hope to the people.
Are we ready to follow Jesus? Are we ready to turn to Jesus, to repent? Are we ready for the great light?
BM
