Scripture Study for
Third Sunday in Ordinary Time
Isaiah 8:23 — 9:3 / Psalm 27:1a / 1 Corinthians 1: 10–13, 17 / Matthew 4: 12–23 or 4:12–17
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Understanding the Word
By Dianne Bergant, C.S.A.
Isaiah speaks about the reversal of the fortunes of Israel; the former times of hardship are contrasted with the present experience of salvation. The nation had been overrun by foreigners, but now that the land has been returned to Israel, the hardships that accompanied defeat and occupation have been lifted and the darkness is dispelled. The darkness included social disintegration, political col
lapse, and religious devastation. The reversal of fortunes is characterized by light. Salvation came when God dispelled the darkness and burst upon the land with the brightness of shining light. Truly the fortunes have been reversed, and the saving grace of God has taken over the world.
The Corinthian church was rife with bickering and pettiness. The natural differences that existed in the group had degenerated into rivalry. If left unchecked this rivalry could develop into serious divisions, even schism. In his appeal for unity, Paul addresses the Corinthians as brothers (and sisters), indicating that he considers them as companion members of the Christian community. Groups within the community claimed allegiance to various individuals. Paul insists that since Christ cannot be divided, neither the teachings nor the personal characteristics of religious leaders can be allowed to rival their allegiance to Christ.
John’s imprisonment signaled both the end of his ministry and the beginning of Jesus’ ministry. It was not Jesus’ intent to pick up where John left off. Although he preached the same repentance as did the Baptist, he did it in fulfillment of the prophecies rather than in anticipation of a future event as John did. His first move was to call some followers. Two sets of brothers—Simon and Andrew, James and John—were called away from their occupation. It should be noted that these men were called; they did not initiate their own discipleship, as followers of rabbis normally did. The reign of God had come. The newly called disciples were witnesses of its appearance.