[Isaiah 9:1b-4; Psalm 27; 1 Corinthians 1:10-13,17; Matthew 4:12-23]

As a Scot, the 25th January has a special significance, as we join millions around the world and celebrate Burns Night. Robert Burns was a farmer and an excise man who was born on this date in 1759[1]. He is however famous for writing over 700 poems and is Scotland’s National Bard (poet). On this date haggis is eaten (along with ‘neeps & tatties’ {turnip/swede & potatoes}) accompanied by a wee dram; and in formal settings his poems are recited. In modern day terminology, Burns may be regarded as a wordsmith. Someone who was clever with words and could put them together well to bring the words on the page to life for the reader.

In 2026 the 25th January is also the 7th year we will celebrate the Sunday of the Word of God[2]. Whilst Burns brought words to life for his readers, the Word of God offers the opportunity of eternal life for those who read and follow.

So, what is the Word of God saying to us this Sunday?

Today’s readings offer us a theme or a melody; what Isaiah spoke of as prophesy, St Matthew repeats as history[3] highlighting that Jesus, the great light, has dawned.

I think there is also a strong message in the Gospel to us, in who Jesus calls to be his first disciples. He calls two sets of brothers, most brothers will have each other’s back, looking out for each other based on a family bond of love which has been nurtured from their earliest days. In calling brothers, Jesus is telling us that as His disciples, we need to develop that brotherly love, looking out for one another, protecting one another, loving one another.

When Jesus formed His Community, He wanted people who would be loyal to Him, he wanted people He could trust to look out for the weaker members of the Community. He didn’t want the Community to break into factions, but sadly over the years that is what has happened. In the second reading today, St Paul is warning the Corinthians against this. We are not supposed to separate into different parts because we are all part of the Body of Christ.

As Christians we are obliged to keep Christ at the centre of our lives; everything else is secondary. The love we have for our friends and family is only possible because Our Creator is Love and we are made in His image and likeness. The love we have for our families is multiplied when we love Jesus, because the love we have for Jesus reflects out into every other relationship we have.

Today also marks the end of the Octave of Prayer for Christian Unity. The theme this year has been One Body, One Spirit, with a reminder to work for peace for people everywhere.[4] Within this area Christians of various denominations do great work together, the Foodbank, Food Pantries, Street Pastors, Town Centre Chaplains, the Night Shelter and Hospital Chaplaincy are just a few examples where Christians serve the local community and reach out to those of all faiths and none, taking Jesus to them. Without the services these groups provide, many people in this area would be left cold, hungry and vulnerable in a secular world which seems to only value people when they have something to give and shuns them when they are in need.

What will you do with what you have heard in scriptures today?

Could it make a difference to you or others?

How will you make this happen?

Further Reading

Catechism of the Catholic Church

Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

CCC 551, 765: the call of the Twelve
CCC 541-543: Reign of God calls and gathers Jews and Gentiles
CCC 813-822: unity of the Church[5]

Please remember in your prayers

  • All those who are sick, either at home or in hospital, especially those who have very few or no visitors.
  • Those who have died and those who grieve for them.
  • All people affected by war and that international treaties for the protection of non-combatants and civilians are respected and adhered to.
  • All those attending the RCIA programmes.
  • Those attending the Youth Alpha programme which is a prerequisite for the Confirmation programme in our Pastoral Area.
  • The success of the Pastoral Area Mission Plan.
  • For Gabriella, Robert, Oluwatamilore, & Oluwafikayomi who are being baptised at St Bede’s this weekend.

Deacon Tony

24th January 2026

[1] Robert Burns – Search

[2] Liturgical and Pastoral Handbook

[3] Placid Murray, 100 Liturgical Homilies, [The Columba Press, Dublin, 1988] 67.

[4] Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2026 – One Body One Spirit – Churches Together in England

[5] Homiletic Directory, Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments