A Homily for the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time
Sunday, January 25, 2026
Isaiah 8:23—9:3; Psalm 27:1, 4, 13-14; 1 Corinthians 1:10-13, 17; Matthew 4:12-23
Audio Recording
Today we conclude the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, a time when Christians throughout the world have prayed that the prayer of Jesus at the Last Supper might be fulfilled: “that they may all be one” (John 17:21). It is fitting, then, that today’s second reading places before us Saint Paul’s urgent appeal: “that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and in the same purpose.”
Unity is not an optional extra for Christians. It lies at the very heart of the Gospel.
As Catholics, we profess that Christ established one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church, and that the fullness of truth and sacramental life subsists within her. At the same time, the path to unity is not the exclusion of those who do not share the fullness of our Catholic faith. Rather, it is the patient, faithful work of walking with others, gathering with them when we can, and emphasizing—honestly and generously—what we truly hold in common.
This applies not only to other Christians, but also, in important ways, to our non-Christian brothers and sisters, who bear the image and likeness of God and who often share with us a deep longing for truth, goodness, justice, and peace.
Saint Paul knew how fragile unity can be. The Corinthian community was divided into rival groups—some claiming Paul, others Apollos, others Cephas. Paul responds with a piercing question: “Is Christ divided?” The answer is no. And yet, his question reveals how easily pride, preferences, and misplaced loyalties can fracture what Christ intends to be one.
Everyone desires peace. Everyone longs for harmony. But human history shows us that unity built merely on power, persuasion, or emotion never lasts. Unity imposed by force destroys freedom. Unity achieved through manipulation collapses when circumstances change. Even unity rooted only in shared culture or tradition eventually frays. Despite our longing for peace, lasting unity often seems just out of reach.
So where can true and lasting unity be found?
Saint Paul gives us the answer: unity must be founded on “the same mind and the same purpose.” That mind and purpose cannot simply be our own. If each of us insists on being the final authority on truth, goodness, and meaning, division is inevitable. Authentic unity requires a source that stands above us—one that does not crush our freedom, but perfects it.
That source is Christ Himself.
In today’s Gospel, Jesus walks along the Sea of Galilee and calls Simon Peter, Andrew, James, and John. His invitation is simple and demanding: “Come after me.” He does not begin with a long explanation or a negotiated agreement. He invites them into relationship. Unity begins there—not in shared opinions, but in shared discipleship.
Those fishermen were very different men. They would misunderstand Jesus, argue among themselves, and even abandon Him. Yet they were united by one thing: they left their nets and followed Christ. Over time, by conforming their minds and hearts to Him, they were formed into one body—the Church.
This reveals something essential about Christian unity. Unity does not mean uniformity. It does not require pretending that differences do not exist or watering down the truth. Instead, it means allowing ourselves to be drawn ever more deeply into the mind and will of Christ—trusting that as we draw closer to Him, we will also draw closer to one another.
This has real implications during this Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. When we pray with other Christians, serve the poor together, defend human dignity, or bear witness to Christ in the world, we are not compromising our Catholic faith. We are living it. We are recognizing what we already share: baptism in Christ, reverence for Sacred Scripture, belief in the moral law, love for the poor, and hope in the saving work of Jesus.
At the same time, genuine unity requires honesty. We do not deny real differences in belief and practice. We do not pretend that divisions do not matter. But we hold these differences within a posture of humility and charity, trusting that unity grows not primarily through argument, but through conversion of heart.
Scripture reminds us of a truth that challenges our culture: submitting ourselves to God does not diminish our dignity; it enhances it. True freedom is not found in self-assertion, but in self-gift. True unity is not achieved through domination, but through obedience to the God who is Truth and Love itself.
So as we come to the conclusion of this Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, a natural question arises: what do we do now?
What does this mean for us today?
It means, first, that unity is not confined to a single week on the Church calendar. Prayer for unity does not end today; it becomes part of the ordinary rhythm of Christian life. Every time we choose charity over suspicion, humility over pride, and patience over resentment, we participate in Christ’s prayer that His followers may be one.
Second, it means recommitting ourselves to staying firmly rooted in Christ. Unity is not built on personalities, preferences, or even good intentions, but on sharing the mind of Christ. The more faithfully we pray, receive the sacraments, listen to God’s Word, and allow the Gospel to shape our lives, the more we contribute to genuine unity.
Finally, unity always begins close to home. Before worrying about divisions in the wider Church or the world, we are invited to look honestly at our own hearts. Unity grows wherever conversion takes root.
So as this week draws to a close, we do not step away from the call to unity—we step more deeply into it. We continue walking behind Christ, trusting that as we draw closer to Him, He will draw His people closer together.
May the Lord grant us the grace to be, in the words of Saint Paul, “eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace,” until the day when all God’s children are gathered as one around His throne. God bless you.