Third Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A
The rich Gospel passage we hear on Sunday comprises four subscenes as it positions Jesus in Galilee, Nazareth, then Capernaum, and narrates the opening acts of Jesus’ public activity. Recalling and fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah, Jesus is revealed as the great light that has arisen and shines on a people “sitting in darkness”. What does this light look like in a land overshadowed by darkness and death? How does Jesus effect God’s saving presence and rule? The passage identifies three representative actions: he calls people to repentance, to mission, and to spiritual and physical health. The power of Jesus’ call...