Third Sunday of Ordinary Time [A]




THIRD SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME [A]


Suddenly we’re hearing about Zebulun and Naphtali. These forlorn territories are going to be visited by a Divine Source of Radiance, according to the prophet Isaiah (8:23-9:1). There, you have the prophecy, as it is being delivered. You will be able to read about the fulfillment of this prophecy by referring to the Gospel of St. Matthew, chapter four. Jesus makes a special point of venturing into the territories of Zebulun and Naphtali as he carries out the Galilean portion of his mission. He will be identified as the Light of the World (see John 8:12). Jesus shines as a territorial light, proceeding along the way through Zebulun and also Naphtali; or you could say that he is on “high beam.”  He then will shift to a “narrow beam” as he focuses upon each of the Galilean fishermen: Peter, Andrew, James, and John. For their part, they respond by following Jesus (4:12-16).  


It’s not enough to say that they are “following” Jesus. More particularly, they are following him directly; directly, as opposed to indirectly. That’s the case in Matthew chapter four. Meanwhile, it sounds like the people of Corinth are favoring the indirect approach. In other words, they are dedicated to following those who represent Jesus: not Jesus directly, but rather, those who are representing Jesus. We get to listen in as the apostle calls them to account. Paul seems to be exceptionally bothered by the turn of phrase: “I belong.”  They evidently ascribe themselves as “belonging” to principal figures like Paul, Apollos, Kephas (1st Cor. 1:12). The truth, Paul insists, is that they really belong to Christ. Christ is the one who has laid an actual claim on them. He certifies this claim by dying upon the cross. Paul didn’t take center stage on Calvary. Apollos didn’t take center stage on Calvary. And Kephas didn’t take center stage on Calvary. Therefore, don’t talk as if they have some kind of a claim on you. Be clear about who has, and who does not have, the authentic claim on you (1st Cor. 1:13). 


The story is told about an orphaned boy who lived with his grandmother. One night a fire breaks out within their dwelling. The boy is rescued in time, but the grandmother dies from inhaling an excessive amount of smoke. A decision has to be made about the handling of custody for the boy. They haven’t been able to trace anybody who could be described as an extended family member. So they announce that a public hearing will be held. At the hearing, a farmer speaks up, offering to assume custody. He explains that it will be a stable, worthwhile way of life for the boy. A teacher likewise presents a case for himself, pointing out that a vast library would be made available to the boy. Furthermore a merchant argues that he should be the logical choice, given the extent of his personal wealth. The boy, however, has other ideas. It was the humble cobbler who saved the boy. It was the humble cobbler who subjected himself to the flames, suffering burns in the process. The boy recognizes the one who put himself in harm’s way. As the boy steps forward to embrace the cobbler, the others subsequently rescind their claims. The hearing is then officially adjourned. 


Once again, it’s an issue of clarity; being clear about who has the legitimate claim. It is not the cobbler IMPOSING  a claim. It’s the boy accepting the reality of a claim. And he’s prepared to honor that claim, both lovingly and freely. That, by the way, is what St. Paul expects of the Corinthians—and of us. It is about honoring the fact that a claim exists. Strive to understand the nature of this claim. As you come to understand the claim, you will take on a readiness to respond to the claim. You will be following Christ in the way that St. Paul recommends: directly, as opposed to indirectly. 

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