The Old Testament is filled with prophecies on the coming of the Messiah, the “anointed one” or the “promised one.” Today’s first reading from Isaiah is one of them. Isaiah describes how the once desolate and “degraded” land of Zebulun and Naphtali (more commonly known as Capernaum in the region of Galilee) will be glorified by the Lord. The gloom and darkness will be lifted, and a great light will shine on the land. Matthew uses this prophecy of Isaiah to build his case with his Jewish audience that Jesus is this “promised one.” Matthew’s goal in writing his Gospel is to assure them that Jesus is truly the Anointed one the Jewish people have been waiting for throughout history. Jesus has left Nazareth to live in Capernaum, thus fulfilling the prophesy. Matthew then begins to explain what the arrival of the Messiah means for all who follow Him. “From that time on, Jesus began to preach and say, “Repent, for the kingdom of God is at hand.” Today’s reading ends as Jesus calls His first disciples. They followed Him “at once,” immediately abandoning their lives and their families. How do we grasp what these readings mean for us centuries later? First, as Christ has fulfilled all the Old Testament prophecies, He will also fulfill the longing deep within our own hearts. As St. Augustine said, “You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest with you.” Do we allow God into our hearts and our life so that we too may be fulfilled? Are we willing to follow Him wherever He leads us “at once” when we hear His call. Second, the kingdom of God is not a specific place but a spiritual kingdom on earth where there is peace, harmony, and no more hunger or violence. It will not be complete until Jesus returns on a day no one can predict. But each of us is called to do our part to help build this spiritual kingdom until He returns. As St. Mother Teresa said, even small things done with great love can light the world on fire and bring peace to our troubled world. God is calling us to spread His love to each person we encounter until there are tiny fires of love burning everywhere. Do we see Christ in everyone? Like the first apostles, we have all been called to follow Him. Is our response an immediate, “Yes, Lord!” even when we’re not exactly sure where He’s leading us?