Reflection
1 John 3:22 – 4:6
Psalm 72
Matthew 4:12-25
What a fantastic gospel we have today. In the gospel reading, we see that John the Baptist has been imprisoned by Herod – a self-absorbed ruler who was ruthless and a narcissist. Herod imprisoned John because John was teaching of repentance, telling the people to change their lives to focus on the things not of this world. In Matthew 3:2, Matthew tells us John spoke: “Repent, because the Kingdom of God is at hand!”. Herod did not want things to change while he was grabbing for greater authority.
Matthew wrote his gospel mainly for the Jewish people who were running scared at the time it was written. Matthew is helping people be courageous – this Jesus was and is for all people. After Jesus hears of the arrest of John, Jesus travels. He goes through all of Galilee. He does not wait for people to come to Him, He goes after the people.
And what is Jesus teaching on that journey? In Matthew 4:17 we read that Jesus proclaimed: "Repent, for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand." Jesus was not afraid of Herod or any other earthly authority – and Matthew wanted to make that point to encourage the Jews.
When obstacles come our way in this new year, let’s remember that Jesus is on our side. Regardless of what happens, He is there for us. We may need to radically change our lives to live the Mission of Christ, but that is a great thing! Have courage!
It is a great day! Go smile at God today!