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Reflection on this Sunday's scripture readings
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Isaiah 8:23 - 9:3
Psalm 26
1Corinthians 1:10-13,17
Matthew 4:12-23
Our faith is like a light which God brings into our lives. Today's first reading is a prophetic announcement about Judah in 8th century BCE where a new king was to succeed King Ahaz and deliver the people from their enemies. Isaiah teaches that God brings this new kingdom and new order into being, making the great light shine and bringing joy and gladness to the people. As the psalmist says, "The Lord is my light and my help."
St Paul urges the Corinthians to be united and not to split into factions supporting one apostle and not others. The central focus of their belief is the Good News of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Matthew sees Isaiah's proclamation becoming a reality at the beginning of Jesus' ministry when he succeeds John the Baptist and preaches at Capernaum, "Repent for the kingdom of heaven is close at hand." For Matthew, this is the new kingdom, the new order symbolised by healing and making people whole.
When you read the scriptures today can you hear the promise God made to his people through the prophet Isaiah? You might like to use the psalm as a prayer and hear God promising light in your life too.
Read the Gospel passage and allow it to sink in to your innermost being. Ask yourself how God is calling you this week and how you can bring the light of the kingdom of heaven into your life and the lives of those around you?