Third Sunday in Ordinary Time
January 25/26, 2020
Today’s readings remind us that stewardship is not just a thing we do. Instead, stewardship is at the core of who we are as disciples of Christ.
Our first reading, from Isaiah, contains this prophecy of Christ and what His saving message would mean to all who embrace it. “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom, a light has shone.” We are among those blessed people on whom the light of Christ has shone. By virtue of our baptism, we, who were once in the darkness of original sin, have been reborn into the great light that is God’s grace in us.
What a privilege! Yet, with this privilege comes the responsibility to live for God and bring His good news to all we meet at work, at school, in our community, and right in our own home; in other words, to live as His good stewards.
And, there is a particular urgency that comes with the call to a stewardship way of life as we see in our Gospel passage from Matthew. Jesus says, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” In other words, turn away from selfishness, turn towards God, and live as His disciple now; don’t wait!
In this same passage, the very first disciples give us examples of a good steward’s prompt “yes” when the Lord called to them. Our Lord invites them to “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.” They did not hesitate, but “immediately left their boat and followed him.” They put our Lord and His will first.
This is the essence of a stewardship way of life; to be always ready for the ways our Lord is calling us to bring His light to others. It’s more than something we do. It’s who we are.
