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.

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