Third Sunday in ordinary time
Also Read: Mass Readings for 24 Jan 2021
First Reading: Jonah 3: 1-5, 10
(v.1) “The word of GOD came to Jonah a second time…”
We too are like this, we wait for the LORD to call out to us again; even after living in the belly of a fish for three days! In our weakest moments and times of suffering, we know GOD and run to him. But the moment we are relieved of the issue, we gladly turn around our boats and run away from the Ninvehs of our lives!
There could be several different reasons for this, ranging from sloth, greed, selfishness, etc. Once we overcome these vices, we are able to seek his face and follow his command! No, it never was easy for Mama Mary and the other saints! They hardly had any recognition in their lifetimes, with a few exceptions. It would be better to hear the LORD say on that Day: “Well done good and faithful servant, enter into my kingdom.” Mt. 25:21 Rather than eat the bread of anxious toil (Ps 127:2) and waste away our gifts!
(v.4) “Jonah began to go into the city going a day’s walk. And he cried out “Forty days more, and Nineveh shall be overthrown.”Are we in our 40-Day period already? Do we hear the Jonahs of today crying out to us? Or perhaps are we called to be the Jonahs of today? “O that today you would listen to his voice, harden not your hearts.” Heb 3:7-8 and 4:7
Then we may never know whether GOD averts the calamity.-(v.10) “GOD changed his mind about the calamity…”.We may never know! Permit us O LORD to do what you have ordained us to do.” Amen!
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 25: 4-5, 6-7, 8-9 (4a)
(v.4) “Make me to know your ways O LORD; teach me your paths.”
(v.8-9) “Good and upright is the LORD, therefore he instructs sinners in the way. He leads the humble in what is right and teaches the humble his way.” Help us to be humble O LORD! Bend our will to your ways O LORD!
Second Reading: First Corinthians 7: 29-31
(v.29) “The appointed time has grown shorter…” (v.31) “For the present form of this world is passing away.” Then staying with the same thought if we are already in the 40-Day period, What could we do?! Must we run scared? Must we be horrified by the happenings around us today and stay numbed? Not at all! On the contrary, we have a clear manual of instructions!
JESUS Himself revealed to us about That Day’ in Luke 17:31 and Mt.24 :3-31. Might we to read what is plainly written for us to see, we wouldn’t be worried one bit; leave alone horrified. Faith takes Courage and it must be actively lived in our thoughts, words, and actions. Without deeds our faith is dead. “So faith by itself, if it has no works is dead.” (James 2:7) So we must be doing what we always do, Keep doing good! We don’t need to worry then!
Therefore, we must not be deceived and run helter-skelter after false prophets on that day (today). Because The LORD will flash as bright as the lightning from the East to the West! (Mt 24:27) We must keep Alert at All Times! There is one solution implied in Mt. 24:13 “.. love of many will grow cold.” If we endure in love until the end, Only Love will save us!
Gospel: Mark 1: 14-20
“JESUS calls the First Disciples”
(v.17) And JESUS said to them: “Follow me and I will make you fish for people.”
Therefore, we in our different professions can follow HIM! Whether teachers, doctors, lawyers, engineers or be it any profession, wherever we are; however we are – We ought to proclaim Christ! By our very lives, we can emit his life in us!
Andrew and Simon, their partners James and John -The First Four were busy people! They had loads of responsibilities on their hands! Yet they immediately followed HIM. What if JESUS were to suddenly appear on the shores of our Lives today and Beckon to us? Could we start with the details, of how we go about our day? Could we bring about a change in our attitude? Seeing the change in us we are bound to resonate the same in others around us too! ‘Coz if we believe we are disciples, we ought to emulate Our Leader! It is when we crucify our arrogance, greed, sloth, etc; daily that we arise to a New Life Every Morning, triumphant with our Saviour!
Thank You, LORD, for revealing your scriptures to us. Make us worthy, fill our minds and convert our spirits! Cover our face from evil! Permit us to walk by your light! Amen!
Praise GOD!
