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Jesus promises us bigger fish, too
Based on Jon 3:1-5, 10; 1 Cor 7:29-31; Mk 1:14-20
It’s no longer “business as usual” and we are called to change our ways are two of the messages in this Sunday’s readings.
In the Gospel, Jesus sees two fishermen, Simon Peter and his brother Andrew, casting their nets into the Sea of Galilee. He calls to them, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.” They leave their nets and follow Jesus.
Farther along the shore, Jesus sees James and John in a boat mending fishing nets with their father Zebedee. He calls to them, too. They leave their father in the boat with the hired men and follow Jesus.
Two sets of brothers and the first four apostles. There are no interviews, no job descriptions, no salaries – just Jesus’ promise they will catch “bigger fish.” They drop everything and leave their families and the fishing business – boats, nets, crews and an important, busy industry – to follow Jesus.
Growing in their knowledge and love for Jesus, the apostles will carry on his work, spread the teachings of Jesus and talk about God’s great love for all people, heal the sick and forgive sins. People will learn to know, love and follow Jesus.
Jesus calls us to follow him, too. We don’t need to leave anyone or anything. Jesus says, “Come after me. Spend time with me in prayer, at Mass and listen to my Word and visit me in the Blessed Sacrament.”
How do we follow Jesus? By the way we live – by being good, kind and helpful to everyone; by being obedient to God’s rules; by sharing; by helping the poor and sick; by visiting the lonely – thereby loving God and others. In other words, helping to make the world a better place.
Jesus calls, “Come, follow me.” Will you say, “Yes” to Jesus?
