Matthew 4:12-23

The Moral Sense of the Gospel of Matthew

January 25, 2026 Sunday

Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Sunday of the Word of God

Matthew 4:12-23

When Jesus heard that John had been arrested,

he withdrew to Galilee.

He left Nazareth and went to live in Capernaum by the sea,

in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali,

that what had been said through Isaiah the prophet

might be fulfilled:

Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali,

the way to the sea, beyond the Jordan,

Galilee of the Gentiles,

the people who sit in darkness have seen a great light,

on those dwelling in a land overshadowed by death

light has arisen.

From that time on, Jesus began to preach and say,

“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

As he was walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers,

Simon who is called Peter, and his brother Andrew,

casting a net into the sea; they were fishermen.

He said to them,

“Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.”

At once they left their nets and followed him.

He walked along from there and saw two other brothers,

James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John.

They were in a boat, with their father Zebedee, mending their nets.

He called them, and immediately they left their boat and their father

and followed him.

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.

Opening Prayer: Lord God, I have heard your call and desire to answer it with a generous heart. Inspire me by the example of your holy Apostles. Show me the nets, the boats, and things I need to leave behind so that I can follow your Son more perfectly.

Encountering the Word of God

1. The Sermon on the Mount: The Third Sunday in Ordinary Time has been set aside as a Sunday devoted to the celebration of the Word of God (Pope Francis, Apperuit illis, n. 3). When we read the Gospel of Matthew every Sunday this year, we feel the call to live righteously within the Kingdom of Heaven. Matthew’s Gospel contains five major sermons of Jesus. The first, the Sermon on the Mount, is the most famous. It invites people to live righteousness in an interior fashion. The beatitudes of poverty in spirit, meekness (gentleness), justice, mercy, and purity of heart are all habits that focus our actions on God. We need to go beyond the exterior fulfillment of the Law (not committing murder, adultery, or false oaths) and focus on overcoming anger and lust and being men and women who live in the truth. Our pious actions of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving need to be done not for earthly praise but for divine repayment. The wise person heeds the words of Jesus.

2. The Mission and Kingdom Discourses: The second major discourse in Matthew’s Gospel (chapter 10) has been called the “Missionary Discourse.” While the Sermon on the Mount sets out the goal and means to attain it, the Missionary Discourse encourages us to be courageous witnesses under persecution. Discipleship is not a private virtue but a public witness of fidelity to Christ. Discipleship demands poverty and trust in God, fearlessness in the face of persecution, and loyalty to Christ. The third discourse is found in Matthew 13 and records seven parables of Jesus about the Kingdom of Heaven. It focuses on our response to divine grace and the Kingdom. Grace is offered to everyone, the Word is preached to all, but the fruitfulness of both depends on our receptivity and cooperation. 

3. The Ecclesial and Eschatological Discourses: The fourth discourse in Matthew’s Gospel (chapter 18) speaks about life in the community of the Church and the practice of mercy. We need to become like children who are simple and humble. We need to care for the weak and the poor. We need to gently correct the wayward in our community and practice boundless forgiveness and mercy. The final discourse in Matthew (chapters 24-25) encourages us to be vigilant, as we will be held accountable for our actions. The delay of the Lord’s glorious return does not excuse negligence. We need to be prepared and productive stewards. Works of mercy and love, empowered by divine grace, are not optional but are the criteria for our final judgment.

Conversing with Christ: Lord Jesus, as I hear the Gospel of Matthew each Sunday this year, help me to listen to your words with a welcoming heart. May your word find good soil and produce good fruit for your Kingdom.

Living the Word of God: How can I better come to know, study, and live the Gospel according to Matthew this year? Helpful Catholic resources include: Edward Sri’s God with Us, Sri and Mitch’s The Gospel of Matthew, Huizenga’s Behold the Christ, Bergsma’s Word of the Lord, and the four volumes of Leiva-Merikakis’s Fire of Mercy, Heart of the Word.