Homily for the 3rd Sunday, Year A: January 25, 2026
Isaiah 8:23-9:3; 1 Corinthians 1:10-13; Matthew 4:12-23
From Darkness to Discipleship
Friends, today’s readings tell one beautiful, life-changing story: God does not leave us in the dark. He steps into our darkness and calls us into His light. And in the Gospel, that light takes flesh in Jesus Christ, who walks along the shore and says two simple words: “Follow me.”
This is not just history.
This is our story.
Isaiah is speaking to people who were tired, broken, and discouraged. They were living in uncertainty, fear, and loss. And yet, God promises them light. Not a flashlight. Not a flicker.
A great light.
Many of us know what darkness feels like today: Health struggles • Financial stress • Broken relationships • Grief • Anxiety about the future. But God does not shout at us from heaven.
He walks into our darkness in Jesus. When Jesus begins His ministry, He goes to Galilee—a place of ordinary people, real struggles, and simple lives. That’s where the light begins to shine.
God meets us where we are, not where we pretend to be.
In the Gospel, Jesus doesn’t go to the palace. He doesn’t start with the scholars. No! He goes to fishermen. Men with rough hands, tired eyes, and simple dreams. And He says:
“Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.”
Notice something powerful: They were not perfect. They were not famous. They were not ready. But they were willing. Following Jesus doesn’t mean you have your life together. It means you are willing to walk with Him while He puts it together.
Some of us are waiting to be “better” before we follow God. But Jesus says:
“Follow Me first. I will change you on the way.”
St. Paul speaks directly to our world today when he says: “Is Christ divided?” We live in a time of arguments, labels, and sides. Even in families and churches, people are divided. But Christ does not call us to pick teams. He calls us to pick love. We belong to Christ—not to our egos, opinions, or preferences. The light of Christ is not meant to separate us.
It is meant to bring us together.
Three Practical Takeaways
1. Let God Be Your Light in Dark Seasons
When life feels heavy, don’t walk alone.
Pray.
Trust.
Lean on God’s presence.
Darkness is not the end of the story. Light is.
2. Say “Yes” to God Where You Are
You don’t need to be perfect to follow Jesus.
You just need to be willing.
Your ordinary life can become holy when you walk with Christ.
3. Choose Unity Over Division
Be a bridge, not a wall.
Choose peace, not pride.
Love, not labels.
The light of Christ shines brightest when we stand together.
God bless you!
