“All three readings today speak about one beautiful theme: From darkness to light; From division to unity; From spectators to disciples.
1. From Darkness to Light
Isaiah says: “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.”
This prophecy was fulfilled when Jesus began His ministry in Galilee, as we heard in the Gospel.
Galilee was not an important place. It was far from the religious center. It was mixed, ordinary, even looked down upon. And yet, that is where Jesus chose to begin.
Why? Because God always begins where light is most needed.
This is very comforting for us. Because many of us feel that parts of our lives are still in darkness:
- family problems
- personal struggles
- worries about the future
- sin we are battling
- confusion in society
But the message today is this: Jesus does not avoid dark places. He enters them. He comes not when everything is perfect. He comes because things are not perfect.
2. From Division to Unity
Then St. Paul speaks very strongly in the second reading: “I urge you, brothers and sisters, that there be no divisions among you.”
The people were saying: “I belong to Paul;” “I belong to Apollos;” “I belong to Cephas.”
And Paul says: Stop. Christ is not divided.
This is very relevant today.
We see divisions everywhere:
- in society
- in politics
- in families
- even in the Church
Sometimes we become more loyal to personalities, opinions, and groups than to Christ Himself.
Paul reminds us: Our identity is not in who we follow among people. Our identity is in Christ.
When Christ is at the center, unity becomes possible.
3. From Spectators to Disciples
In the Gospel, Jesus begins to preach: “Repent, for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
Then He calls Peter, Andrew, James, and John.
They were fishermen. Busy. Ordinary. And Jesus simply says: “Come after me.”
And the Gospel says: “Immediately they left their nets and followed Him.”
They did not attend a seminar. They did not ask many questions. They simply followed. This is discipleship.
Many of us admire Jesus. We listen to His words. We attend Mass. But the question today is: Are we truly following Him?
Because following Jesus always means letting go of something — our “nets”:
- comfort
- pride
- grudges
- sinful habits
- excessive attachment to worldly things
You cannot hold your nets and hold Jesus at the same time.
Final Words
Today’s message is very clear:
Jesus is the Light in our darkness.
Jesus is the Center of our unity.
Jesus is the One who calls us to follow.
The people in Isaiah’s time saw a great light.
The Corinthians were reminded to be united in Christ.
The fishermen left everything to follow Him.
Now it is our turn.
The Lord passes by our life today and says: “Come after me.”
May we have the courage to leave our nets, walk toward the Light, and live in unity in Christ.”