Third Sunday in Ordinary Time
Also Read: Mass Readings for 21 January 2024 Homily for 21 January 2024 – Sunday
First Reading: Jonah 3: 1-5, 10
The people of Nineveh believed God; they proclaimed a fast, and everyone, great and small, put on sackcloth. (5)
When God saw what they did, how they turned from their evil ways, God changed his mind about the calamity that he had said he would bring upon them; and he did not do it. (10)
The entire book of Jonah is about Repentance, Returning to the Lord, and Receiving Salvation. Beginning with Jonah, how he thought he could run away far from the presence of God, (Jonah 1:3) his repentance,(Jonah 2), and his return (Jonah 3). The people of Nineveh were being chastised for their wickedness. As soon as they heard Jonah, they believed not in him, but they Believed GOD! They managed to hear God amidst their wickedness and they repented. Would it have been a smooth conversion? We can apply the same in our current world and try to emulate what the Ninevites did that day! Would we face challenges? Sure! Can we overcome the world? Sure! Because – (John 16:33) “I have said this to you, so that in me you may have peace. In the world you face persecution. But take courage; I have conquered the world!” -We are His and He has conquered the world!
In Jesus’ name. Amen!
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 25: 4-9
Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth, and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all day long. (4-5)
Alleluia, Amen!
Second Reading: First Corinthians 7: 29-31
Let those who deal with the world as though they had no dealings with it. For the present form of this world is passing away. (31)
We know that we live in a passing world and yet many choose to live as if they own and control so much here! They seem to be the foolish ones because if they know and yet behave this way, who is to blame for their folly? They are responsible for their downfall. We have been made stewards of the large or little that we may have under our control now, for example: our time, money, family, and other possessions! We must remember that the control we have over anything is first of all given to us by Our Father in Heaven. We are His Stewards and we must not lord it over others but conduct ourselves reverently and courageously.
Gospel: Mark 1: 14-20
As Jesus passed along the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the sea—for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, “Follow me and I will make you fish for people.” And immediately they left their nets and followed him. (16-18)
Having wrapped up Christmas time recently, the church rapidly moves to the early ministry of Jesus. We witness the first four apostles being called by Jesus today! We are amazed at the prompt response of the apostles! Where is the sea of Galilee we are in today? Are we on the boat with our family? Does the Lord address us in our work or at our workplace? Do we hear Jesus calling out from the shore? Would Peter and the rest have similar doubts or questions that we may face today? We reckon that the apostles may not have harbored greed, pride, or a superiority complex.
We pray to the apostles to intercede for us as we navigate the sea of life. In Jesus’ name, Amen!
