The 3rd Sunday of Ordinary Time | Sunday 22 January 2023

Today is Sunday the 22nd of January, beginning the third week of Ordinary time.

The Community of Taizé sing Christe Lux Mundi: ‘O Christ, light of the world, whoever follows you will have the light of life.’

Christe, lux mundi,
qui sequitur te,
habebit lumen vitae,
lumen vitae




Today’s reading is from the Prophet Isaiah.


Isaiah 8:23-9:3

But there will be no gloom for those who were in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time he will make glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations.
The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light;
those who lived in a land of deep darkness—
on them light has shined.
You have multiplied the nation,
you have increased its joy;
they rejoice before you
as with joy at the harvest,
as people exult when dividing plunder.

Isaiah’s prophetic message speaks out from around seven hundred years before Jesus was born. The promise that we see in its words was meant to change hearts. After all, Isaiah had, earlier, made the promise of Emmanuel heard again in Gabriel’s voice. The world waited. Take a moment to consider how the depth of God’s patience extends out into the world and across centuries. Allow yourself to rest in God’s patient love.

Now, in Matthew’s gospel for this Sunday, the writer declares that this prophecy is being lived out in the person of Jesus. The prophecy is made large. Not just for God’s nation but for the whole world. It is not just light, but the Light that is shining on the world. How do you witness to the sense of God’s presence in the world?

In many parts of the world the sun is once again beginning to shine, lengthening the days, bringing the hope of new life. Do you experience this revelation in the natural world around you?

As you listen to the passage again, what images or feelings stay with you? How might you respond?

On this Sabbath day, take a moment to rest in the light of God’s love for you.


Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.