The readings for the Third Sunday after Epiphany, as they are presented in the traditional liturgical calendar, are brimming with the wisdom of Christ and the exhortations of St. Paul. Both Romans 12:16-21 and Matthew 8:1-13 guide us to consider the virtues of humility, charity, and faith—virtues necessary to reflect the light of Christ in our lives, especially in this season of Epiphany, which calls us to manifest God’s glory to the world. Turning to the Church Fathers, we uncover the perennial wisdom that helps deepen our understanding of these sacred texts.
Romans 12:16-21: “Overcome evil with good”
In this passage, St. Paul urges the Roman Christians to live in harmony, to be humble, and to respond to evil with goodness. His exhortation culminates in the command: “Be not overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” These words are as relevant today as they were in the early Church, calling us to a life of peaceful charity, even in the face of injustice or persecution.
St. John Chrysostom, in his Homilies on Romans, comments on this text by emphasizing the transformative power of Christian virtue:
“If you wish to overcome evil, do not confront it with similar acts of evil, for this would only multiply the wrong. Rather, by showing patience, meekness, and forgiveness, you will not only conquer your adversary but will also win him over to Christ.”
Chrysostom’s insight reveals the power of humility and charity as tools for evangelization. When we repay evil with good, we not only imitate Christ but also become instruments of His mercy. It is not enough to refrain from revenge; rather, we are called to actively will the good of our enemies, to feed them and give them drink as St. Paul exhorts. This radical charity is the hallmark of true Christian discipleship.
St. Augustine also reflects on this passage in De Sermone Domini in Monte:
“Do not love the vengeance that arises from pride, but the justice that springs from love. By loving your enemies, you make them friends, and by conquering hatred with love, you plant the seeds of eternal peace.”
As we meditate on these words, we are reminded that the Christian life is not one of passive endurance but of active engagement in the work of love. To “overcome evil with good” is to imitate Christ, who conquered sin and death not by vengeance, but by the ultimate act of self-sacrificial love on the Cross.
Matthew 8:1-13: The Faith of the Humble and the Healing Power of Christ
The Gospel for this Sunday recounts two miraculous healings: that of a leper and the servant of a Roman centurion. Both miracles highlight the themes of faith and humility, which are necessary for approaching Christ.
The leper, a man cast out of society due to his disease, comes before Jesus with a faith-filled plea: “Lord, if Thou wilt, Thou canst make me clean.” His words express complete trust in Christ’s power, coupled with a humble submission to His divine will. St. Gregory the Great, in his Homilies on the Gospels, reflects on this moment:
“The leper did not doubt the power of the Lord, but neither did he presume upon His will. In his humility, he left the decision to Christ, teaching us to seek not what we will, but what the Lord wills.”
This prayer of the leper—both bold in faith and humble in spirit—should inspire us to approach Christ with the same trust and surrender, especially in the sacraments, where He continues to heal us spiritually and physically.
The second part of the Gospel recounts the faith of the Roman centurion, who begs Jesus to heal his servant. Despite his worldly authority, the centurion recognizes his unworthiness to receive Christ into his home, saying: “Lord, I am not worthy that Thou shouldst come under my roof; but only say the word, and my servant shall be healed.” These words, echoed in every traditional Mass before receiving Holy Communion, remind us of the humility required to approach the Eucharistic Lord.
St. Ambrose, in his Exposition of the Gospel of Luke, marvels at the centurion’s faith:
“Though he was a man of power, he humbled himself before the Lord of all power. His faith was so great that he sought no sign, no touch of the Savior’s hand, but only the word. What he believed, he obtained.”
The faith of the centurion was commended by Christ Himself: “Amen I say to you, I have not found such great faith in Israel.” This serves as a reminder that faith transcends all boundaries—of race, status, or culture—and that the grace of Christ is available to all who approach Him with humility and trust.
Lessons for Dominica III Post Epiphaniam
In both readings, we see the call to embody Christ-like virtues in our lives. St. Paul’s exhortation to overcome evil with good is not a mere ethical guideline but a participation in the life of Christ, who defeated evil with the infinite goodness of His sacrifice. Likewise, the Gospel shows us that humility and faith open the door to Christ’s healing power, both for ourselves and for others.
As we reflect on these texts, the Church Fathers remind us that the path of sanctity lies in conforming our hearts to Christ’s Sacred Heart—meek, humble, and overflowing with love. The season of Epiphany calls us to manifest the glory of God in our lives by imitating His virtues and trusting in His grace.
Let us, then, ask for the intercession of the saints, especially the Blessed Virgin Mary, who perfectly embodied the virtues of humility, faith, and charity. May she help us to approach Christ with the faith of the centurion, the humility of the leper, and the love of St. Paul, that we too may be instruments of His peace in a world darkened by sin.
Prayer to Conclude
O Lord, grant us the grace to overcome evil with good, to love our enemies, and to seek You with humble and faith-filled hearts. May we be living witnesses of Your love in the world, bringing light to darkness and peace to division. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.