Light Breaks Into Darkness This Sunday

This Sunday, January 25, 2025, is the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time. The central theme of the readings is light breaking into the darkness – image courtesy of Vecteezy.com.

This Sunday, January 25, 2026, is the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time. The theme for the readings is the light breaks into the darkness. The gospel this week is from Matthew. Let’s take a look.

Gospel Text – Matthew 4:12-17

“When Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. He left Nazareth and went to live in Capernaum by the sea, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali, that what had been said through Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled: Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the way to the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles, the people who sit in darkness have seen a great light, on those dwelling in a land overshadowed by death light has arisen. From that time on, Jesus began to preach and say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

First Reading – Isaiah 8:23—9:3

Israel is living under fear, oppression, and spiritual darkness. The northern tribes, Zebulun and Naphtali, had suffered invasion and humiliation. Isaiah promises that the very place that first experienced darkness will be the first to see great light. God will shatter the yoke that burdens His people, and His joy will replace gloom. God’s salvation begins precisely where the darkness is deepest. The Messiah’s light enters real human suffering and transforms it.

Second Reading – 1 Corinthians 1:10-13, 17

Rivalries and factions divide the Corinthian church. Paul urges them to be “of one mind and one purpose.” He declares that Christ is not divided. Paul’s mission is to preach the Gospel—not with clever rhetoric, but with the power of the cross. Where Christ’s light shines, unity must follow. The Gospel is not about personalities, preferences, or tribal loyalties. It is about the crucified Christ who gathers all into one body.

Gospel Reading – Matthew 4:12-17

Jesus begins His public ministry in Galilee—specifically in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali. Matthew quotes Isaiah 9 directly: “The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light.” Jesus begins preaching: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Isaiah promises the light that Jesus fulfills. He enters the margins, the forgotten places, the spiritually dark regions—and announces a kingdom that heals, restores, and gathers.

The Catholic View

“The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light” – image courtesy of Vecteezy.com.

Christ the Light breaks into the darkness of human hearts and calls His people into unity and conversion. The readings all contribute to the same message:

Light in Darkness