THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Also Read: Mass Readings for 23 January 2022
First Reading: Nehemiah 8: 2-10
The Joy of the Lord is my Strength!
(Nehemiah the Governor, Ezra the priest, and the Levites said to all the people,) “This day is holy to the Lord your God, do not mourn or weep.” For all the people wept when they heard the words of the Law. (9)
The Israelites had returned from exile in this account here. In a time of transition and relocation, there would have been some apprehension among the people. The priest and prophet then proclaim consolations to their people. In similar perilous times such as ours today, we find great solace in these words. As I paraphrase, “Do not mourn or weep.” But “Eat, drink and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared, for the Joy of the Lord is your strength.”
We have been blessed with certain things and virtues, like a roof over our heads, food in our bellies, patience, kindness so on. We could provide material, emotional, psychological, and other needs to those that lack any of these. To those that are teachable, we ought to then share our knowledge, faith, and love. Because in this is the secret to our own joy- doing the will of Our Father!
Amen!
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 19: 8, 9, 10, 15
The precepts of the Lord are right rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is clear, enlightening the eyes. (8)
There is joy in the Law, there is liberation in following the rules!
Amen!
Second Reading: First Corinthians 12: 12-30
Divinely Ordained Members of the same Body!
As it is, there are many members, yet one body, (20)
On the contrary, the members that seem to be weaker are indispensable. (22)
In an analogy of how each little part of the human body is equally important, a sense of oneness within the whole body of the church is being relayed here by St. Paul. Therefore, even a little hurt/disrespect to any of the seemingly lowly members is considered by God as a hurt/disrespect to the whole church!
We then have a great support system that is divine. He sends his angels to guard us in all our ways. (91:10,11) We often miss these aids by our own ignorance, blindness, and arrogance. Our appointments (28) have been divinely ordained and we must operate in each of our capacities with joy and faith!
Amen!
Gospel: Luke 1: 1-4; 4: 14-21
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me because He has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives, recovery of sight to the blind, and to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” (18-19)
Jesus Christ has set us free once and for all. He has given back our sight and released us! Therefore we carry the mantle and take his Good News to everyone. Our behavior and conduct in our daily life, (whether covert or overt) must reflect this message!
Amen!
