Monday after Epiphany
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Matthew 4:12-17; 23-25
When Jesus hear that John the Baptist has been arrested, he thinks that he might suffer the same fate, so he leaves Nazareth and goes to Galilee, seeking greater security. In our lives, we often function very much like Jesus and follow caution signs based on others' experiences. To protect ourselves, we leave places of danger to seek healthier, safer spaces. In order to fulfill his calling, Jesus began spreading the good news of God’s love and providence. As such he wanted all to know that if they repent, that entry to heaven is the reward. It is our hope, in our daily lives, that spreading good news and teachings is received with the same excitement. As I reflect on this gospel, the message is one of speaking truth to power. When you speak truth in writing or in person, your passion and honesty work like a magnet to draw people in very much like those who heard the word of Jesus. Jesus had the oratory gifts to communicate the words of healing without the concern for repercussions and he spoke the blessing to those prepared to hear the truth.
According to Matthew, when Jesus settles in Galilee, he becomes a ‘light’ for the people of those regions through his teaching and healing. Curing every disease and illness among the people meant the physical disease as well as the illnesses of wrongdoings or past mistakes. The release of pains allowed for the healing to begin to trust in the goodness of God. In our daily lives it is difficult to trust those in our midst as they condemn to past deeds, but it is important to know that Jesus’ message was one of reform and revelation.
Similar to adjusting to a new environment, Jesus began to spread his message of reform and revelation. In new spaces after we settle in and conduct an assessment, we begin to share our talents and insights in the hopes of contributing very much like Jesus did in Galilee. Our hope is always to become a light for those around us without recriminations. The regions where Jesus ministered were mixed with a variety of people. He showed no deference to any one individual or group and treated them all the same. This gospel resonates with mankind’s goal to exemplify Jesus’ behavior: he spoke of the importance of kindness, educated on goodness, the grace of forgiveness and the acceptance of all our brothers and sisters.
Dr. Gale Gibson GayleAVP of Online Learning and Program DevelopmentOffice of Academic AffairsSt. Francis College
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