3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A: Power in God's Word

The Catholic readings for January 25, 2026, fall on the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year A), which is also designated as the Sunday of the Word of God. This Sunday emphasizes the power of God's Word to illuminate, call, and transform lives.

Here are the readings (based on the Roman Rite lectionary as used in the US and most English-speaking regions):

- First Reading: Isaiah 8:23–9:3  

  The prophet speaks of a time of darkness and distress giving way to great light. The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; upon those who dwelt in a land of gloom a light has shone. God multiplies joy and shatters the yoke of oppression, foreshadowing the coming of the Messiah.

- Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 27:1, 4, 13-14  

  "The Lord is my light and my salvation." A song of confident trust in God amid trials, urging us to wait for the Lord with courage.

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

  St. Paul appeals for unity in the Church at Corinth, urging believers not to divide over human leaders ("I belong to Paul," "I belong to Apollos," etc.). He emphasizes that Christ is not divided and that his mission is to proclaim the Gospel, not with eloquent wisdom but with the power of the cross.

- Gospel: Matthew 4:12–23 (or longer form 4:12–25)  

  Jesus withdraws to Galilee after hearing of John's arrest, fulfilling Isaiah's prophecy. He begins his public ministry proclaiming, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." Walking by the Sea of Galilee, he calls the first disciples—Simon (Peter) and Andrew, then James and John—saying, "Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men." They immediately leave everything to follow him. Jesus then teaches, proclaims the Gospel, and heals the sick.

 Reflection

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

On this Third Sunday in Ordinary Time, the readings converge on a powerful theme: God's light breaks into darkness, calls us personally, and unites us in Christ. The prophet Isaiah paints a vivid picture of hope amid despair—the land of Zebulun and Naphtali, once humiliated, now bathed in divine light. This prophecy finds its fulfillment in Jesus, who steps into the shadows of Galilee not as a distant ruler but as the Light Himself, walking among ordinary people by the sea.

In the Gospel, we witness the very beginning of that light's mission. Jesus does not begin with grand announcements in Jerusalem's temple but in a peripheral region, among working fishermen. His first words echo John the Baptist: "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." Repentance here is not mere regret but a radical reorientation—a turning toward God that opens us to the kingdom breaking into our world.

What strikes me most is the immediacy of the disciples' response. Simon, Andrew, James, and John leave nets, boat, and family "at once" when Jesus calls them by name. They do not negotiate terms or delay for convenience. In that moment, the light of Christ pierces their routine lives, and they recognize something worth abandoning everything for. This call is not just historical; it echoes in our own lives. Jesus still walks along the "shores" of our daily existence—our jobs, relationships, struggles—and says, "Come after me." He does not call the qualified; He qualifies those He calls, transforming fishermen into fishers of men.

St. Paul's words in the second reading add urgency to this call to follow. The Corinthian community was fracturing into factions, boasting in human leaders rather than in Christ crucified. Paul reminds them (and us) that such divisions betray the Gospel. The kingdom Jesus proclaims is one of unity, not rivalry. We are baptized into one Christ, not into competing camps. In a world—and even at times in the Church—where polarization and "I belong to this group or that" seem to dominate, Paul's plea rings clear: be united in mind and purpose, centered on the cross, not on personalities or preferences.

The Psalm ties it all together: "The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?" In a time when darkness—whether personal anxiety, societal division, or global unrest—can feel overwhelming, these readings remind us that God's Word is not passive. It is active, illuminating, calling, healing, and uniting. On this Sunday of the Word of God, we are invited to let Scripture not just inform us but transform us, as it did those first disciples.

The Sunday of the Word of God is a liturgical celebration in the Catholic Church observed annually on the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time (typically in January). Pope Francis instituted it through his Apostolic Letter Motu Proprio titled Aperuit illis ("He Opened Their Minds"), issued on September 30, 2019. The purpose of this day is to highlight the central role of Sacred Scripture in the life of the Church and of believers, encouraging the faithful to celebrate, study, and spread the Word of God more deeply. It aims to foster greater appreciation for the Bible as a living gift, promote its proclamation in liturgy (especially at Mass), encourage personal and communal lectio divina (prayerful reading), and remind Catholics that the risen Christ opens the Scriptures to us, as He did for the disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13–35, the Gospel that inspired the letter's title). This observance helps make Scripture more accessible, stirs gratitude for this treasure, and strengthens the bond between the Word proclaimed and the Eucharist celebrated.

Regarding the formation of the Bible in the Catholic tradition, a key milestone occurred under Pope Damasus I (reigned 366–384). In 382, he presided over the Council (or Synod) of Rome, which produced one of the earliest formal listings of the canonical books of Sacred Scripture—totaling 73 books, including the deuterocanonical of the Old Testament. This decree affirmed the canon that the Church had received from apostolic tradition and early usage. Pope Damasus also commissioned St. Jerome to revise existing Latin translations of the Bible, leading to the Vulgate, Jerome's monumental work (completed over decades, with the Gospels finished around 383–384 and much of the rest later). The Vulgate became the Church's standard Latin Bible for centuries, ensuring a unified, accurate text for liturgy, teaching, and theology. While the canon was definitively confirmed at later councils (Hippo in 393, Carthage in 397, and Trent in 1546), the Council of Rome under Damasus marked a pivotal step in the Catholic Church's authoritative role in discerning and preserving the inspired books of the Bible as we know them today.

As we listen anew to God's Word proclaimed, may we respond with the same generosity. Let us leave behind whatever nets entangle us—fear, resentment, division, complacency—and follow Christ more closely. In doing so, we become bearers of His light to a world still waiting to see it shine.

May the Lord who called fishermen by the sea call each of us today to deeper discipleship, and may His Word be a lamp to our feet and a light to our path.

Reflection on the Readings for the Third Sunday of Ordinary Time

Reflection on the Readings for the Third Sunday of Ordinary Time: January 26, 2025

As we gather to celebrate the Third Sunday of Ordinary Time on January 26, 2025, we are invited to reflect on the significance of the Word of God in our lives. This Sunday also marks the celebration of the Sunday of the Word of God, instituted by Pope Francis to emphasize the importance of Sacred Scripture in the life of the Church and the faithful.

First Reading: Nehemiah 8:2-4a, 5-6, 8-10

In the first reading, we hear about Ezra the priest bringing the law before the assembly of men, women, and children old enough to understand. Standing on a wooden platform, Ezra reads from the book of the law of God from daybreak till midday, and the people listen attentively. As Ezra opens the scroll, the people rise, bless the Lord, and prostrate themselves before Him. This passage highlights the reverence and respect the people had for the Word of God and the transformative power of hearing and understanding it.

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 19:8, 9, 10, 15

The responsorial psalm reminds us that the words of the Lord are spirit and life. The psalmist praises the law of the Lord as perfect, trustworthy, right, clear, pure, and true. These attributes of God's Word refresh the soul, give wisdom, rejoice the heart, enlighten the eye, endure forever, and are just. The psalmist's reflection encourages us to find strength and guidance in the Word of God.

Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:12-30

In the second reading, St. Paul uses the analogy of the body to describe the unity and diversity of the Church. He emphasizes that, just as the body has many parts but is one, so too is the Church. Each member of the Church has a unique role and function, and all are essential for the proper functioning of the body. This passage calls us to recognize and appreciate the diversity of gifts within the Church and to work together in unity for the common good.

Gospel Reading: Luke 4:14-21

The Gospel reading recounts the story of Jesus in the synagogue at Nazareth. Jesus reads from the scroll of the prophet Isaiah, proclaiming that the Spirit of the Lord is upon Him and that He has been anointed to bring glad tidings to the poor, proclaim liberty to captives, recovery of sight to the blind, and freedom to the oppressed. Jesus then declares that this Scripture passage is fulfilled in their hearing. This powerful moment marks the beginning of Jesus' public ministry and underscores His mission to bring hope, healing, and liberation.

Sunday of the Word of God

The Sunday of the Word of God, celebrated on the third Sunday of Ordinary Time, was instituted by Pope Francis in 2019 to highlight the importance of Sacred Scripture in the life of the Church. This year's theme, "I hope in Your Word," taken from Psalm 119:74, invites us to deepen our relationship with the Word of God and to find hope and strength in it.

Pope Francis will preside at Mass in St. Peter's Basilica, where he will distribute copies of the Gospel of Luke to attendees and confer the ministry of Lector upon 40 lay faithful from various nations. This celebration serves as a reminder of the centrality of the Word of God in our faith and encourages us to engage with Scripture in our daily lives.

Conclusion

As we reflect on the readings for the Third Sunday of Ordinary Time and celebrate the Sunday of the Word of God, let us be inspired by the transformative power of God's Word. May we, like the people in the time of Ezra, listen attentively and allow the Word of God to shape our lives. Let us also recognize the diversity of gifts within the Church and work together in unity, following the example of Jesus, who brings hope, healing, and liberation to all.

: [USCCB](https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/012625.cfm)

: [The Best Catholic](https://www.thebestcatholic.com/2025/01/25/mass-readings-for-january-26-2025-sunday-third-week-in-ordinary-time/)

: [Catholic Leaf](https://www.catholicleaf.com/mass-readings-and-reflection-jan-26-2025/)

: [Herald Malaysia](https://www.heraldmalaysia.com/news/pope-to-celebrate-mass-on-sunday-of-word-of-god/80429/1)

: [Vatican News](https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2025-01/pope-francis-mass-sunday-word-god-hope-jubilee.html)

3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time - Repent and Come Follow Me

Today's readings call us to repentance.

In the first reading from the book of Jonah, the word of the Lord God sends Jonah to Nineveh.  There, he is to go warn the people that God would destroy the city if they do not change their ways.  We are told that he took 3 days to do this and that in forty days if they did not heed the warning, Nineveh would be destroyed. 

In the Bible, numbers do not necessarily represent numerical value in the mathematical sense.  They are part of a symbolic system called the gematria. Each number represents something. The number 3 represents totality or completeness.  It is used over 400 times throughout the Sacred Scriptures.  The forty days means a long period or a period of preparation or transition. Nineveh was a city that had it all in regards to sin.  We read more details in Nahum 3.

In this city, thievery is rampant, sexual licentiousness, drunkenness, death, merciless killing, etc. Notice how God gives a warning before He acts.  He sends out Jonah to warn the people. Atheists often like to make claims that the "Old Testament God" is this evil deity who is sadistic and enjoys killing or having others kill in His name.  This is far from the truth and a poor understanding of literary genres in Sacred Scripture. If God was this "evil deity" that did not care, why would He send out Jonah to warn the residents of Nineveh?  Here we see that God is not only just, but merciful (Psalm 86:5, Psalm 145:9, Ephesians 2:4).  He prefers all be saved than destroyed just like any responsible father would not sit back and let his kids do whatever they want.  A father sets rules and enforces them justly.  This is love.  

Today, we are facing an alleged pandemic with the covid-19 coronavirus.  Some believe this is a punishment or chastisement from God.  I will not say either way, but it does seem weird how this virus appeared out of nowhere and seems to be altering itself to face our "defenses."  The virus is now becoming more contagious even to the point that more layers are needed in regards to masks. Some scientists are claiming that we should were at least two masks, one over another.  Vaccines were rushed into production and were given emergency approval, but are not approved by the FDA. These vaccines themselves are believed to prevent contracting the virus and/or limiting the symptoms. Even these claims are hypothetical since not enough time was given to study them. The whole thing just seems strange. It is like this virus is "intelligent" and knows what we are doing to combat it and is evolving to meet the challenge.  Is this the wrath of God or nature just trying to reduce the human population?  Is this a biological weapon or a simple mishap in a lap with bats infected with covid-19?  We cannot know for sure.  All I can say is that this virus has literally put humanity on its knees. Despite churches closing, faith still increased.  People seem to want God more than before.  Is God calling us via this alleged pandemic?  We must test the spirit of the times and see.  We must pray and ask God to enlighten us.  

The responsorial Psalm responds to the first reading with the statement: "Teach me your ways, O Lord." What does this mean?  Well once we repent of our sins and commit to change, then we must learn how to do so. Simply repenting is not going to show us how to continue on the path to holiness. Only God can teach us this since He is perfection (2 Samuel 22:31, Psalm 18:30, Matthew 5:48).  We must not become like those in this world blindly following the next fad or chic idea.  We must challenge them and focus on Christ and His will for us. 

In the second reading, we are reminded that time is running out. We are told by St. Paul to behave as such we are not living our daily lives on Earth. In other words, we must not focus too much on the things of this world, for they will pass. Our world will pass.  Science even agrees with this statement. However, this does not mean all life will disappear with it, nor are some going to go floating in the air in some "rapture."  Rather, God will return like a "thief in the night" and will judge us all (1 Thessalonians 5:2).  We will be judged based on how we loved God and others (Matthew 7:2).  This means we are to love God above things and our neighbor as ourselves (Luke 10:27).  We must not love God only on Sundays and Holy Days, but all the time.  This applies to our neighbors as well. We must not love them only during Mass, but all the time; yes, including those who get on our nerves (Matthew 5:44). We must teach our neighbors the truth and not water it down because it may offend their sensibilities (John 17:17).  It would be a sin against charity to lead others to believe that abortion is moral, that same-sex union is love and valid, that contraception is ethical, or that we should mind our own business and not admonish the sinner so as not to offend them. 

A new president was just inaugurated and while he calls himself Catholic, his views do not match our faith. He recently made statements showing his drive to keep abortion legal and propagated and made new orders forcing Americans to adopt the unscientific and sophism of gender theory.  We must pray for him. He is our president and does want to help Americans during this time of need; however, his views on other issues must be challenged and pushed back.  I am not endorsing any president as better or more moral than another, but we as Catholics must know where politicians are coming from and push back when they present views contrary to reason, morals, and faith.  Our Catholic faith is above politics and agendas from Democrats, Republicans, or any other party.  We must promote our faith first and vet our politics via our faith. Whatever does not agree must be cast out. 

Finally, in the Gospel, we learn of John's arrest. The last prophet is arrested and will be beheaded. 

Jesus continues after Him by preaching the Gospel of God. He reminds the people then and now that "The kingdom of God is at hand.  Repent, and believe in the Gospel."  Like in the first reading, He warns the people which is what John also did.

However, Jesus continues from that warning into the actual teaching of the Gospel in order to teach the people the way of the Lord as the responsorial Psalm states.  Then He proceeds to call the other disciples by name, Simon, Andrew, James, and John. He uses an interesting phrase, "Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men." Notice how Jesus is very observant. He sees that these men are fishermen.  Today, the Pope wears the "fisherman's ring" as a reminder that He must go out into the deep and fish-men. 

Furthermore, Jesus then uses that fact to connect the work of God with.  He also calls each by name which shows that He focuses on individuals.  We are not in some cosmic college class where God is a professor who does not know the names of His students.   He engages us directly on a first-name basis because He knows us ever since we were forming in our mother's womb (Jeremiah 1:5).  God does the same today. We do not have to be fishermen to do God's work. A doctor, nurse, lawyer, teacher, police officer, fireman, politician, scientist, librarian, school crossing guard, homemaker, businessman, etc; are all called to bring people into the Church using their own talents which will be guided by God's grace (Psalm 48:14). Never feel as if you cannot do God's work on Earth. 

St. Therese of Lisieux reminds us, "Miss no single opportunity of making some small sacrifice, here by a smiling look, thereby a kindly word; always doing the smallest right and doing it all for love." God in many cases does the opposite of what we expect an omnipotent being to do by choosing those who are weak, uneducated, or outcasts to shame the arrogant and those who see themselves as strong or powerful (1 Corinthians 1:27).  Let us listen to God's call to repent, ask him to teach us how to live, and go do what He asks of us with faith, love, and hope.  Today is Sunday of the Word of God as well. Let us take this time to meditate on Scripture, engage in lectio divina or some form of Scripture study so that we can be nourished by God's Word.   



Readings: Third Sunday in Ordinary Time | USCCB

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3rd Sunday of Ordinary Time: Sunday of the Word of God

Today is the first Sunday of the Word of God. In his apostolic letter Aperuit Illis, Pope Francis called the Church to reflect on the Word of God on this Sunday. You can read the text here: http://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/motu_proprio/documents/papa-francesco-motu-proprio-20190930_aperuit-illis.html.  The Holy Father writes:

"Consequently, I hereby declare that the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time is to be devoted to the celebration, study and dissemination of the word of God. This Sunday of the Word of God will thus be a fitting part of that time of the year when we are encouraged to strengthen our bonds with the Jewish people and to pray for Christian unity. This is more than a temporal coincidence: the celebration of the Sunday of the Word of God has ecumenical value, since the Scriptures point out, for those who listen, the path to authentic and firm unity.

The various communities will find their own ways to mark this Sunday with a certain solemnity. It is important, however, that in the Eucharistic celebration the sacred text be enthroned, in order to focus the attention of the assembly on the normative value of God’s word. On this Sunday, it would be particularly appropriate to highlight the proclamation of the word of the Lord and to emphasize in the homily the honour that it is due. Bishops could celebrate the Rite of Installation of Lectors or a similar commissioning of readers, in order to bring out the importance of the proclamation of God’s word in the liturgy. In this regard, renewed efforts should be made to provide members of the faithful with the training needed to be genuine proclaimers of the word, as is already the practice in the case of acolytes or extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion. Pastors can also find ways of giving a Bible, or one of its books, to the entire assembly as a way of showing the importance of learning how to read, appreciate and pray daily with sacred Scripture, especially through the practice of lectio divina. (#3. "Aperuit Illis")

Reading Scripture is extremely important. Even more important is actually putting the words into practice. Today's readings remind us that the Lord is the light and source of salvation.  The first reading we heard during Midnight Mass. The people walk in the darkness but see a great light. This light is Christ who alone brings salvation. No one else can save. It is very important to stress this, even to fellow Catholics. I have met a few Catholics who love Our Lady and the Brown Scapular. They take the words about not facing the pains of hell as a form of a free ticket to heaven. This is not so nor what Our Lady meant via the Scapular. The Scapular is just a sacramental. It is supposed to aid us in the spiritual life so we may achieve salvation in Jesus. The Scapular does not save anyone on its own merits or even on the merits of Our Lady. She herself told us to do whatever He says. These were her last recorded words in the Gospel. So wearing a Scapular or following a specific promise from any devotion does not save anyone by its own merits. This is why in the second reading we read, "Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?" Paul etc are instruments God used. They are not the source of salvation. It is important to understand this. Christ is the focal point. He is the Savior. We must be united in His name and not be divided, as the second reading tells us. We must be of one mind and purpose. If not, then we make a mockery of Christ and Catholicism.

We must follow Jesus. Jesus calls us to be fishermen and go out and cast our nets to bring the catch in. This means evangelization. Unfortunately, our Church has lost this sense. We are not going out there and evangelizing. Evangelization can be done in many ways. This does not mean standing on a corner preaching. Even a simple smile and friendly attitude is evangelization. It opens others to respect you and listen to you.  This presents the opportunity to plant seeds of faith via amicable discussions.  We have to  avoid proselyzing or being overly aggressive that we turn others away. If someone does not want to hear it, then so be it. They have made their choice. It may be temporary or permanent, only God knows. The Gospel tells us that Jesus chose the disciples for this very mission: to evangelize. We must do the same and follow Jesus.  Today's Sunday of the Word of God is important. Despite being the Church that gave us the Bible, many Catholics are ignorant of it. While some Protestants may give the pretense of knowing Scripture, they simply memorize the ones that their "pastors" teach them in order to attack Catholics.  So they too are ignorant of Scripture. This is not good. Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ, as St. Jerome tells us. We must learn Scripture. Most importantly, we must learn Scripture the way it was meant to be learned. Only the Church can interpret the Scriptures via the Holy Spirit. This is why we must seek sources approved by the Church and not just read any material out there. Scripture is full of so many great teachings and sayings, but there are also sections that may come across as disturbing or contradictory which must be read in the right context with the right exegesis and historical perspective. If not, then we will end up starting our own sect or become an atheist claiming the Bible is work of chaos instead of the Word of God. 






Readings: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/012620.cfm

http://www.usccb.org/about/divine-worship/liturgical-calendar/sunday-of-the-word-of-god.cfm