When Jesus heard that John the Baptist was arrested, he did not run for the hills; he set out on a mission from Galilee. This was not an impulsive move; it was rather a purposeful one. Matthew reminds us that Jesus was sent to fulfil the promise spoken by Isaiah, that light would dawn on those living in darkness and the shadows of death.
Before Jesus teaches, proclaims the good news or heals the sick, he prepares. His mission is grounded in a promise that precedes him and guides his work.
He also doesn't go alone. As he walks along the Sea of Galilee, he calls ordinary men, those caught up in the routines of daily life, to join him on his mission. His compelling invitation to “Follow me!” is coupled with an urgent, almost warning message to
“repent for the Kingdom of heaven is near.”
It is only after this that Jesus begins to teach in the synagogues, to proclaim the good news of the Kingdom and to heal the sick. We can observe here that the word and action from preparation, grounding and shared purpose, not one man’s idealistic vision for the world, can be more impactful and transformative.
This gospel invites us to reflect on our own journeys of faith. What promises shape the way we live and act? How well do we prepare before taking decisive action and responding? And who are we inviting to walk with us as we seek to bring light into places of darkness?
