Third Sunday in Ordinary Time – Year A (2026)
Sunday, January 25, 2026
On January 25, 2026, the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time, the Church observes the Sunday of the Word of God, instituted by Pope Francis in 2019. This day calls us to venerate the Scriptures and to proclaim them with renewed fervor. Coinciding with this date is the Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul, commemorating the dramatic transformation of Saul of Tarsus, a persecutor of Christians, into Paul, the Apostle to the Gentiles, called by his vision of the risen Christ on the road to Damascus. The readings for today offer hope amid despair in Isaiah’s prophecy, fulfilled in Saint Matthew’s Gospel as Jesus begins his ministry in Galilee, and Saint Paul’s urging of Christian unity. In the first reading from Isaiah, we hear a powerful proclamation of hope: “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.” — Isaiah 9:1. Isaiah was speaking of a time of great distress and despair for the people of Zebulun and Naphtali, a region in northern Palestine plagued with turmoil due to its mixed population and proximity to pagan influences. The region formed the core of Galilee by the time of Christ. Yet, God, in His infinite mercy, promises a transformation, a glorious light emerging where gloom once reigned. This is no mere poetry but a messianic promise that resonates with our spiritual lives. When we walk in the darkness of grief, uncertainty, or conflict, this passage assures us that God does not abandon us in our trials. In due time, He brings light and joy where despair once dwelt.
Paul, in today’s second reading, urges the community at Corinth to be united, reminding them that they were baptized in the name of Christ and belong to Him. Our world, society, and even the Body of Christ today seem marred by division. Our calling as disciples of Jesus is to shine His light in the world, to embody His peace and reconciliation. The Church acknowledges the conflicts among the faithful and calls us to harmony and unity: “In this one and only Church of God from its very beginnings there arose certain rifts, … men of both sides were to blame. … Where there are sins, there are also divisions, schisms, heresies, and disputes. Where there is virtue, however, there also are harmony and unity, from which arise the one heart and one soul of all believers.” — Catechism §817.
In today’s Gospel, we read that Jesus left Nazareth for Galilee, the great light foretold in Isaiah’s prophecy. His ministry begins with an urgent call: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” — Matthew 4:17. He summons the first Apostles: brothers Simon Peter and Andrew, who drop their nets at once; brothers James and John, who leave their father in the boat and follow immediately. Far from mere recruitment, Jesus transforms their purpose through this divine invitation, which they embrace without hesitation. That same call echoes to each one of us today. To follow Him means embracing risks, stepping into the unknown, and trusting His promises. Let us pray for His light to dawn upon us, for the courage to answer His summons to discipleship, and for God’s grace to make us instruments of His peace and joy.
Go in Peace to Love and Serve the Lord.