Reflection for the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, January 22, 2023

by Theresa Homan, N D Associate

“He left Nazareth and made his home in Capernaum by the sea…”  Mt 4: 13

Jesus left the place of his childhood and young adulthood, his friends, his workshop, his clients. Did he have an apprentice to pass his business on to? Did he bring his mother with him? He made his home in Capernaum. Did he buy a house and household necessities? Did he bring some things from Nazareth? Were his carpenter tools left behind, knowing that his life was taking a different direction? Jesus moved over 20 miles to a place by the sea. Did he know how to swim or how to fish? After moving he took a walk by the sea and gathered an unlikely group of friends. And so began his years of preaching repentance; of spreading the light and joy of Love; and of praying that all “be united in the same mind and the same purpose,” 1Cor 1: 10

When you find yourself in a new “home”, how do you spread and receive light, joy and unity? What constitutes home to you? What do you bring to it and what do you need from it? When you experience homelessness, yourself or that of someone else, how do you respond?

Peace and blessings to you as you navigate your moves in life!