Shikrot Mpwi – Sunday Synopsis
Fr. Justine John DYIKUK
Dear friends in Christ,
On the Third Sunday of the Year, A (25 January 2026), I bring you greetings and God’s blessings!
Theme: Discipling: Start Strong, Finish Stronger
Introduction
Beloved in Christ, today’s liturgy presents us with the call of the apostles. This call signifies that Christ has entrusted the responsibility of recruiting future disciples to both the apostles and to us. To glean insights from the Gospel, it is essential to grasp the distinction between an apostle and a disciple. Generally speaking, a disciple is a follower, whereas an apostle is sent on a mission. While the twelve were both apostles and disciples (cf. Mark 3:14-19), not all disciples hold the status of apostles, as exemplified by the 70 or 72 (cf. Luke 10:1) or the women who accompanied Jesus (Luke 8:1-3).
The first reading reminds us that “the people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.” It reassures us that the Lord will break the rod of the oppressor, bringing joy to His people. In the second reading, St. Paul encourages Christians to reject divisions and instead embrace unity in faith. Meanwhile, the Gospel presents Jesus charging us with the mission of discipleship for the advancement of the kingdom.
Review of the readings
The first reading (Isaiah 9:1b-4) reveals that “the people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.” It reassures that the Lord will break the rod of the oppressor and bring joy to His people.
In the second reading (1 Corinthians 1:10-13, 17), St. Paul urges Christians to avoid divisions, rivalries, and bitterness, and instead to be united in belief and practice. He cautions that since Christ has not been “divided,” no one should cling to any particular pastor, but rather to the Lord, whose death and resurrection transcend philosophical interpretations.
The (Matthew 4:12-23) highlights the calling of Simon Peter and his brother Andrew, as well as James and John, the sons of Zebedee. This calling to apostleship and discipleship occurs in the regions of Zebulun and Naphtali, along the banks of the Jordan, fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy. As the pioneering apostles, Peter would later emerge as the leader of the apostolic community (cf. Matthew 16:18 & 18:18). These apostles were entrusted with the important mission of expanding the reach of apostleship and discipleship.
Takeaway lessons
1. The first reading highlights that God wants successive generations of believers to embody His light as the light of the world and the salt of the earth (Cf. Mat. 5:14).
2. The second reading encourages Christians to avoid divisions and rivalries, fostering a collaborative ministry focused on mentoring the young in the spirit of Elijah and Elisha.
3. St. Paul warns against hero worship, cautioning that some priests, feeling superior due to their gifts, can lead the faithful away from Christ by becoming the center of attention.
4. The first apostles, who left their nets and family, exemplify the self-denial and metanoia necessary for a closer union with God and spiritual realities.
5. Like the apostles, we are called to detach from worldly concerns and urgently pursue godly interests in a society where many have turned away from Christ.
Conclusion
Our Sunday message emphasizes that God invites us to rekindle our apostolic zeal and the missionary mandate entrusted to the Church. He calls us to enrol in the school of apostleship and discipleship, aiming to impart knowledge to the uninformed, offer healing to the afflicted, and share the Gospel with those in desperate need of salvation. May our witness be a comprehensive effort that brings comfort and relief to a troubled world. Amen – Wishing you a wonderful week ahead!
