Transformative Experience of the Call of Jesus

3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time: January 22, 2023

Readings: Isaiah 8:23–9:3; Psalm 27:1, 4, 13–14; 1 Corinthians 1:10–13, 17; Matthew 4:12–23

The purpose of our Christian living is to grow spiritually and build a deeper relationship with God. It is, indeed, a great challenge today when we read the newspapers, WhatsApp messages, and listen to the television news. We see so much evil and hear only bad news. The sense of God is slowly disappearing from the public eye. Might seems to be right. Therefore, our personal faith journey must be strong and vibrant, resilient and encouraging in order to face the negative trends and hopeless situations which take us away from what we consciously strive to achieve, which is our relationship with God. 

1. Call with a purpose

On this Third Sunday in Ordinary Time, we have beautiful readings from the Bible. Matthew 4:12-23 tells the story of Jesus beginning his ministry in Galilee after the courageous ministry of repentance of St John the Baptist. In fact, Jesus begins his preaching and healing ministry, when John the Baptist had to stop abruptly when he was put into prison by King Herod. His message “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” sent shock waves to thrones of power.  Jesus sees a great need of gathering a band of disciples to accompany him in his mission of preaching the Reign of God. Hence, four brothers from two families are chosen Simon and Andrew, James and John. They would follow him and become "fishers of men."

The call of the first disciples by our Lord is indeed a powerful call to spiritual transformation and commitment. To be "fishers of men" means the disciples have to leave behind what they loved most or attached to in their lives. They have to leave behind their old ways and commit to a new way of life, following Jesus and spreading his teachings and message of salvation to others. The willingness of the disciples to immediately leave their livelihoods and follow Jesus' command highlights the importance of obedience and humility in one's relationship with God. 

2. Transformative experience of the call

The compelling call of our Lord is filled with the transformative power of faith. By putting their trust in Jesus and committing to follow him, the disciples' lives were forever changed. Similarly, when we choose to put our faith in Jesus, we too can experience a profound spiritual transformation, as we are transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit and become new creations in Christ. The Church is blessed with so many holy men and women who put the call of our Lord first then all other things in their lives. Their steadfast deep trust and faith in the Lord, could not be distracted or diminished by any kind of malice, suffering, or pain. They are models for us in our struggles and sufferings.

The transformative experience of the call made the disciples leave immediately their livelihoods and follow Jesus' command. It is through our obedience to the faith, we grow in a manner pleasing to God, building the right relationship. Ultimately, our allegiance should be to God and His will for our lives, rather than our own personal ambition and desires. This is translated by our lives by being witnesses to him and His teaching to the world. Therefore, for us Christians, it is good to reflect on our spiritual growth and how that relationship is changing our lives in this messy world.

3. A call to unity and harmony

St Paul in his epistle 1 Corinthians 1:10-13, 17 laments at the issue of division and lack of unity among the Corinthian Church and calls them to come together in harmony and unity. The scandals, in-fighting, and polarization are still affecting us today. In recent days, we have heard enough of it in Kerala. Paul is saddened by the "quarrels" and "factions" among the Corinthian Christians, with each person claiming to follow a different leader. This division is a direct violation of Christ's teachings of unity and love for one another. Paul encourages the Corinthians to be "perfectly united in mind and thought," emphasizing the importance of unity and harmony in the body of Christ. Moreover, division and rivalry are never markers of the Spirit.

One of the problems the Church has been facing since its foundation is its struggle with unity and communion. In a diverse world of thoughts and ideas, varieties and differences, it is natural to have differences. However, as followers of Jesus Christ, we must cultivate a way to sort our differences in order to fulfill the mission of Christ that is entrusted to us. By being "sanctified in Christ Jesus," and being "called to be one in every way" we are all part of the same body of Christ, united in one faith and one call to spread the gospel to others. Jesus is our leader and we must put aside our differences in order to get our salvation and the salvation of others. Responding to the call of our Lord today is to rise above human flaws, misunderstandings, divisions, and rivalries, and solely belong to Christ and his Church. Both you and I have a role to play constructively in this process. 

Questions for reflections:

1. Do I feel called by our Lord Jesus to follow in his footsteps of preaching and service?
2. How does this passage from St Matthew serve as a call to spiritual transformation and commitment?
3. In what ways do I struggle with division and lack of unity in my own relationships and communities?
4. How can I strive to be more united in mind and thought with others, particularly within my faith community?
5. How can I ensure that my focus remains on spreading the message of salvation to others rather than getting caught up in petty disputes and divisions?

Prayer (based on Psalm 27):

Dear Lord,

Your steadfast love and protection are present so powerfully. You are my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear? You are the strength of my life, of whom shall I be afraid? I come to You, Lord, with a heart full of trust and faith. I believe that you have plans for my life. I trust in Your unfailing love and I know that You will guide me through all my days.

I ask that You would be with me, Lord, as I face any challenges that come my way. Give me the strength and courage to face them head-on, knowing that You are with me. I pray that You would teach me to walk in Your ways, and lead me in the path of righteousness for Your name's sake.  I pray that You would give me a heart of wisdom and understanding.  In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

- Olvin Veigas, SJ

January 20, 2023