It seems like the gospel today (Mt 4:12-23) is showing us just how easy it is to become a good Disciple.
Well, yes and no. Today we hear of Jesus invite Peter, Andrew, James and John to “follow him,” to jump into his own net. And immediately they drop their own nets, leave their jobs and careers, and follow Jesus.
I wish it were that easy! The ‘immediate’ response to Jesus’ invitation to each one of us is, of course, an immediate, hearty “yes” – or at least that’s the way it ought to be. But there is much more to Discipleship than simply jumping into the net of Jesus. After spending time with Jesus, becoming one with Him, we now need to leave the ‘net’ and become the attracting light of Christ for others. Everyone calls everyone else to repentance, both by word and deed.
Each of us have different gifts and abilities, and all are gifts received from the ‘throne of grace’ (as the author of the Epistle to the Hebrews says). But we are all given one mission: to spread the good news of salvation in and through Jesus Christ. Everything we say or do should point to the saving Cross of Jesus, in one loving way or another. St. Paul reminds us of our different gifts, when he says that even he, also an apostle, was not sent to baptise, but to preach (Second Reading, 1 Cor 1:10,13-17). Have you taken time to consider your own gifts, and how Jesus wants you to use them?
Do not neglect the first step into the net of Jesus, the step of “repentance” - which is also the first teaching of Jesus. The Church responds to Jesus by reminding us that the call from Jesus is our own “personal” call. It’s then our responsibility to be a personal witness within our common baptismal mission to spread the good news.
Well, yes and no. Today we hear of Jesus invite Peter, Andrew, James and John to “follow him,” to jump into his own net. And immediately they drop their own nets, leave their jobs and careers, and follow Jesus.
I wish it were that easy! The ‘immediate’ response to Jesus’ invitation to each one of us is, of course, an immediate, hearty “yes” – or at least that’s the way it ought to be. But there is much more to Discipleship than simply jumping into the net of Jesus. After spending time with Jesus, becoming one with Him, we now need to leave the ‘net’ and become the attracting light of Christ for others. Everyone calls everyone else to repentance, both by word and deed.
Each of us have different gifts and abilities, and all are gifts received from the ‘throne of grace’ (as the author of the Epistle to the Hebrews says). But we are all given one mission: to spread the good news of salvation in and through Jesus Christ. Everything we say or do should point to the saving Cross of Jesus, in one loving way or another. St. Paul reminds us of our different gifts, when he says that even he, also an apostle, was not sent to baptise, but to preach (Second Reading, 1 Cor 1:10,13-17). Have you taken time to consider your own gifts, and how Jesus wants you to use them?
Do not neglect the first step into the net of Jesus, the step of “repentance” - which is also the first teaching of Jesus. The Church responds to Jesus by reminding us that the call from Jesus is our own “personal” call. It’s then our responsibility to be a personal witness within our common baptismal mission to spread the good news.
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