A Poem a Sunday

Epiphany 3

January 22, 2017

Matt. 4:12-23 - NRSV

Commentary:  We hear the call, but are often disillusioned.  What difference can a follower of Christ make now? Remember following Christ is not about 'saving souls', but rather participating in the nearness of the Kingdom of God.

Jesus Begins His Ministry in Galilee

12 Now when Jesus[a] heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. 13 He left Nazareth and made his home in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, 14 so that what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled:

15 “Land of Zebulun, land of Naphtali,
    on the road by the sea, across the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles—
16 the people who sat in darkness
    have seen a great light,
and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death
    light has dawned.”

17 From that time Jesus began to proclaim, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”[b]

Jesus Calls the First Disciples

18 As he walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea—for they were fishermen. 19 And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fish for people.” 20 Immediately they left their nets and followed him. 21 As he went from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John, in the boat with their father Zebedee, mending their nets, and he called them. 22 Immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed him.

Jesus Ministers to Crowds of People

23 Jesus[c] went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the good news[d] of the kingdom and curing every disease and every sickness among the people.

Footnotes:

Matthew 4:12 Gk he

Matthew 4:17 Or is at hand

Matthew 4:23 Gk He

Matthew 4:23 Gk gospel

Psalm:  Disciple’s Lament

Lord, I cannot take it anymore.

I have lost inspiration to follow you.

Nothing seems to change.

The world scene rolls on with

the mighty crushing the minority.

Leaders are exempt from Laws:

national and international.

Bullets fly through the homes

of the innocent.  Malls are venues

for Terrorists.  Family and friends

threatened to be eliminated

from health care by the millions.

Civility crushed by

Presidential Tweets.

Yet you teach: 

“Repent, the Kingdom

of God is near”?

Turn us toward you.

Dare us to open our eyes

to everyday kindnesses

and your presence

in this Dark Age.

Heal us.

Give us courage

and the relentless faith

that:  “Love wins!”

even when it does so

from a cross.

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