Third Sunday After the Epiphany - January 25, 2026

Third Sunday After the Epiphany 
January 25, 2026

When Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. He left Nazareth and made his home in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, so that what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: “Land of Zebulun, land of Naphtali, on the road by the sea, across the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles— the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death light has dawned.” From that time Jesus began to proclaim, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” As he walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea—for they were fishermen. And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fish for people.” Immediately they left their nets and followed him. As he went from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John, in the boat with their father Zebedee, mending their nets, and he called them. Immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him. Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and curing every disease and every sickness among the people. Matthew 4:12-23

Jesus went and settled in Capernaum, in the territory that Isaiah's prophecy promised great light. He moved from his home, his comforts and his familiar settings and went to a strange land, a dark place, not particularly welcoming. It is from there he call his disciples, away from their nets, their comforts and familiar settings. Everything they knew, their boats, their nets, their livelihoods and their families were set aside to follow Jesus, who too set everything familiar aside to serve his calling. Folks, we may not live in the dark territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, but we do live in a land of darkness and abused that seem to overwhelm us all. It is time to leave our comfort zones and follow Jesus into the unfamiliar and scary places where we are being called. Time to drop the familiar nets and follow the one who calls us and promises to be with us on our journey.

Loving Creator, you call us all your children

and call us to follow your Son in this world.

Precious Savior, help us to follow you into your light.

Our world has now become dark and violent

children taken and mothers lose their lives.

Precious Savior, help us to follow you into your light.

The powers of darkness seem to overwhelm us

yet you have promised this land a great light.

Precious Savior, help us to follow you into your light.

Help us to get us and put down our familiar nets

give us the strength to follow Jesus always.

Precious Savior, help us to follow you into your light.

May our discipleship be filled with light and love

so the dark places can shine with your love light again.

Precious Savior, help us to follow you into your light. Amen.