Sunday 26 January

THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

Australia Day

Isaiah 8:23-9:3; Psalm 27:1, 4, 13-14;
1 Corinthians 1:10-13, 17; Matthew 4:12-23

A light has shone

Today’s reading from Isaiah refers to “Galilee of the nations”. Jesus grew up in this populated region which was considered far from Jerusalem spiritually, politically, geographically and culturally. Because of its rich diversity and openness to new ideas, this region was more receptive to the light of Jesus’ teaching and work than other territories. Capernaum was the lakeside border town that he chose to use as a base for his public ministry after leaving Nazareth village. Australia, like Galilee of old, has become a hugely diverse nation. May it truly become the great South Land of the Holy Spirit.