Gospel Reflection for 22nd January

The 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time – Called by name

During these early and dark days of the New Year, we are encouraged with a great message of hope in the first reading this Sunday. The Prophet Isaiah tells us that the people in darkness have seen a great light; on those who sit in a land of deep shadow a light has shone.’ This message of hope is meant not only for the people to whom the prophet was speaking but also for us today. Even the psalm speaks these words to us; ‘the Lord is my light and my help.’ Through the life, ministry, death and resurrection of Jesus, we are the people on whom a great light has shone. Through Jesus our gladness is made greater, and our joy increases. Through the words and actions example of Jesus our lives are made brighter.

As Jesus begins his public ministry, he starts with a clear message for those who heard him and for us today, ‘repent, for the kingdom of God is close at hand.’ Jesus freely invites each of us to participate in and be part of God’s kingdom. However, it does cost us something. We are called to repent. This can be difficult. No one of us like to admit that we did or said anything wrong, that we made a mistake and very few of us like apologising. But this is what the word repent means. It means that with God’s help we can honestly look at how we speak to and treat others and see where we have hurt those we love. It is following the example of the Prodigal Son who came to his senses, realised that he had made a mistake and then had the courage and humility to return home. He was welcomed home and a banquet was celebrated in his honour. This is a symbol of God’s Kingdom. We are all invited to share in God’s kingdom. When we can repent and change our ways, God will exult with joy over us and he will renew us with his love. God will dance with shouts of joy for us as on a day of festival.

This is a very personal invitation from Jesus. Just as he called those in the gospel by their name, so to today, Jesus continues to call each of us by our names. We can add our names to those mentioned in this Sunday’s gospel. This echoes the words of the prophet Isaiah, ‘Do not be afraid for I have redeemed you, I have called you by your name, you are mine.’ (43.2) Isaiah also reminds us that our names are written on the palms of God’s hands. (49.16). God’s loves and knows each of us personally by our name and continues to call us into a deep and meaningful friendship with him. For our part, we called to repent because the kingdom of God is close at hand.

• Michael Moore OMI