Ordinary Time

Pause

Jesus is the Way – our pathway and our traveling companion.

He shows us where we're going, and how to get there together. He invites us to join the journey.

Can you hear Jesus calling your name? Will you follow?

Listen

Now when Jesus heard that John was arrested, he went to Galilee. He left Nazareth and settled in Capernaum, which lies alongside the sea in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali. This fulfilled what Isaiah the prophet said:

Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, alongside the sea, across the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles, the people who lived in the dark have seen a great light, and a light has come upon those who lived in the region and in shadow of death.

From that time Jesus began to announce, “Change your hearts and lives! Here comes the kingdom of heaven!”

Matthew 4:12-17

Think

For many centuries, God’s people waited for the One who would bring about the long-promised kingdom of God. When the ancient prophet Isaiah announced the coming of a light that would shatter darkness and death, the faithful could not have known how long it might be before that new kingdom would begin.

Jesus was born into a world like ours – into our world – a world scarred by troubles. His people were oppressed by dangerous rulers. His own cousin was arrested and eventually beheaded. The shadow of death was deep.

But the ancient prophet and the surprising Messiah proclaimed: Get yourselves ready… everything you’ve been waiting for is on the way! In our own bleak and troubled world, the prophet and the King still proclaim: The light comes near and calls us! Let’s go!

Nikki Finkelstein-Blair

Pray

God of the Way, make my vision ready to recognize your coming Kingdom. Make my heart ready to receive your abundant life. Make my feet ready – and make my mind willing – to follow wherever you call me to go. Amen.

Go

The Way is waiting for you. Take steps forward or even backward. Slow down or sprint or skip like a child. Whether your pace is fast or slow, steady or stumbling, Jesus welcomes you to follow him to God's glorious kingdom.