Wednesday, November 30, 2016

Reflection: Matthew 4:18-22


Feast of St. Andrew - Matthew 4:18-22

In this Gospel reading, Jesus calls his first disciples.  These men were brothers: Simon, who also was called Peter, and his brother, Andrew.  Jesus was walking along the Sea of Galilee when he first saw the brothers.  They were casting their fishing net into the sea.  Fishing was their profession and their livelihood.  Jesus said to them: “Come and follow me, and I will make you fishers of (women and) men.”  Immediately, the brothers put down their nets and followed Jesus.  

As they walked along, Jesus saw two other brothers, James and John.  They also were out in their boat with their father, Zebedee.  They were occupied mending their nets.  Jesus likewise called to James and John and they also immediately rowed to shore, left their boat, their nets, and their father and followed Jesus.  I wonder if James and John had a conversation with their father about their decision to follow Jesus?  (I assume their father had James and John to help him make a living for the family.)  Or did they simply row back to shore, say farewell to him, and go on their way?  

How will you respond when Jesus calls you today?  What’s more, He will call us. Will we be too preoccupied to hear his call?  And if we do hear his call, will we follow Him or will we make excuses?  Or will we joyfully drop everything and follow Jesus?

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