Sunday, Jan. 25, is the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time. Mass readings: Isaiah 8:23-9:3; Psalm 27:1, 4, 13-14; 1 Corinthians 1:10-13, 17; Matthew 4:12-23 or 4:12-17.

In these early weeks of “ordinary” time, we are being introduced to Jesus and the beginning of his public ministry. Matthew’s Gospel describes how Jesus began his public ministry in the wake of the arrest of John the Baptist. Matthew tells us four things about Jesus’ ministry.

When Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee … to the region of Zebulun and Naphtali, that what had been said through Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled: “The people who sit in darkness have seen a great light; on those dwelling in a land overshadowed by death light has arisen.”

The relocation tells us of the hostility of the southern regions to the message of John the Baptist and Jesus. Judea (which included, principally, Jerusalem) was controlled by a sort of religious ruling class. They were far less open to ideas that in any way threatened their leadership or questioned the rituals related to the Temple. But Jesus did not come to abolish the Law. He came to fulfill it.

There is an important lesson in this: While we must carefully preserve Christian orthodoxy and only accept doctrinal development that is organic and faithful to the received apostolic tradition, we can sometimes inadvertently stifle the Holy Spirit, who speaks to us through unexpected people and in unexpected ways.

It was tragic for Judea that Jesus had to move on to more fertile territory, and what a blessing it was for Galilee that he moved there.

From that time on, Jesus began to preach and say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

Note the balance of Jesus’ preaching. He is willing to challenge. But he also declares the good news. Accepting the ministry of Jesus requires that we avoid the two extremes of presumption and despair.

He saw two brothers, Simon, and his brother Andrew, casting a net into the sea; they were fishermen. He said, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.” … [There were] two other brothers, James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John. He called them, and immediately they left their boat and their father and followed him.

In building his kingdom, Jesus summons men to follow him. He will train the apostles to be the leaders of his Church. The kingdom of God is not just concerned with calling disciples, but also with developing leaders to provide order and authority in the Church.

He went around all of Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and curing every disease and illness among the people.

Note that Jesus covered Galilee comprehensively. And thus the Church is catholic and must address every part of the world, providing a comprehensive vision for life of the Paschal mystery, which sheds light and brings spiritual healing to every affliction.