Third Sunday in Ordinary Time
Also Read: Mass Readings for 21 January 2024 Mass Reading Reflection for 21 January 2024
Gospel: Mark 1: 14-20
John the Baptist had been arrested for criticizing the sinful life of the king. It was expected to be the end by those who arrested him. But it was otherwise. Jesus, the Word of God incarnate took over the mantel. John was preaching mostly in the desert, to people who went in search of him. Jesus started preaching in the towns, in the streets, on the beaches, and in any place where He could meet people. A new era has dawned, where the word of God is near you. One may like it; one may hate it, but the Word of God is nearby.
Jesus said, “The Kingdom of God is at hand.” The statement signifies that He is so near; if you stretch yourself a bit you can touch Him; if you open your door, you can welcome Him home; if you take a bit more effort, you can walk with Him. Because the Kingdom of God is not an idea, it is a reality and it is personified in Jesus. The invitation calls for that one final step from you.
You neither have to go up the skies nor travel to the mountains or deserts in search of the Kingdom of God. The Kingdom of God is personified in Jesus Christ and walks our streets, parks, and wherever we come together.
Jesus enters your home only if you appreciate His presence and welcome Him in. You have to get up, remove the latches of your gate, and welcome him home before it is too late. We read in the book of Revelation, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come into him and dine with him, and he with Me.” (Rev 3:20). You don’t have an eternity to answer His knock at the door. Like any other gentleman, he would wait a short while, and respect your decision not to open and pass by. If you don’t welcome Jesus into your home and heart, don’t expect Jesus to open the gate of eternal heaven for you.
Today we celebrate the Sunday of the Word of God. Like the Kingdom of God, the Word of God is at hand. The word of God is at hand in the printed and digital form. It is up to us to stretch our hands, open, read, and let it transform us. When you let the Word of God touch you, you open your doors and let the Kingdom of God enter your home and heart. Don’t forget to reach out to the Bible every day, and read at least a couple of chapters daily. Because the Word of God is the key to the Kingdom of God.
Amen.
