3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

We are in the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry and he has bolted from the gate. Straight away Jesus is preaching all over the place. He is gathering apostles and He is a man with a mission. We think of those who embark on political campaigns. They get themselves organized and start opening offices everywhere. They gather staff and start proclaiming the message. The gospel tells us today that Jesus withdrew to the region of Galilee and that there his light arose. I suspect that Jesus had a bit more to say to Peter, James and John than “come and follow me.” They must have heard Him speak. They must have been impressed by Him. Did Jesus light a spark under them? Many of us consider that we are contented with our lives until some revolution comes along and suddenly we turn our back on everything. We get up and follow. We are all looking for a cause or some person to inspire us. Jesus pressed the right button in Peter, James and John so much so that they dropped what they were doing to go and follow Him. You get the feeling that Jesus is like a whirlwind that is about to wind itself up and blow where it will. He seems to be gathering Himself up. Jesus has a lot to say and He has little time to say it.
There is a lot of mention of light in the readings today. This light theme comes from the Christmas season of readings. The word light makes us think of the word “enlightenment.” The message of Jesus is all about enlightenment. If it doesn’t change us then something is wrong. I need to dialogue with it. What does it mean to love your enemy? What does it mean to be filled with compassion? What does it mean to love your neighbor as yourself? If you want to have deep thoughts have deep thoughts about these things. When the spark is lit beneath you then, get up and follow Him.