We will spend most of the Sundays of the coming year in the company of Saint Matthew. His Gospel (like the others) has its own characteristics. He is writing for a Jewish audience, and so is always at pains to stress one thing: that Jesus of Nazareth was the promised Messiah. He does this by reference to Jesus’ teaching and miracles, and very often by quoting the prophecies of the Old Testament to show that Jesus was their fulfilment. Today is a perfect example. “Zebulun and Naphthali” was an old name for the area round Capernaum by the side of the Lake of Galilee, a busy fishing and trading area, with many Gentile towns and settlements: it is here, rather than in the dangerous town of Nazareth, that Jesus “settles” and begins his ministry. This is where the proclamation of the Kingdom of God begins, as was foretold, and the first followers are invited to join Jesus.
Today’s Scripture (Psalter: Week 3)
Isaiah 8: 23 – 9: 3
Response: Psalm 26
The Lord is my light and my help
whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life;
before whom shall I shrink?
There is one thing I ask of the Lord,
for this I long,
to live in the house of the Lord,
all the days of my life,
to savour the sweetness of the Lord,
to behold his temple.
I am sure I shall see the Lord’s goodness
in the land of the living.
Hope in him, hold firm and take heart.
Hope in the Lord!
(Sung Antiphon: The Lord is my light and my help.)
1 Corinthians 1: 10 – 13. 17
Acclamation for the Gospel:
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
Jesus proclaimed the Good News of the kingdom,
and cured all kinds of sickness among the people.
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
Matthew 4: 12 – 23
Prayer of the Faithful: R/. Lord, give us your light.
See Today’s Readings on Catholic Online.
