A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark 1:14-20
After John had been arrested, Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the Gospel of God: “This is the time of fulfillment. The Kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the Gospel.” As he passed by the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting their nets into the sea; they were fishermen. Jesus said to them, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Then they left their nets and followed him. He walked along a little farther and saw James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John. They too were in a boat mending their nets. Then he called them. So they left their father Zebedee in the boat along with the hired men and followed him.
REFLECTION: “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.”
Many of our family outings were fishing at the local lake. I was not really a fisherman as I always needed help hooking the worm. However, I looked forward to our family adventures. Whereas some find it boring, I enjoyed the leisurely approach: sit down, patiently wait and persevere on waiting for the fish to nibble. And if not successful find another spot. But the best part was spending time with the family and at the same time enjoying the monotony, meditating and enjoying God's world.
Definitely endurance was the best quality that was needed to be a successful fisherman because some days you come home empty handed.
Andrew and John both met Jesus at the River Jordan when John the Baptist pointed to Jesus as the Lamb of God. Peter and his brother Andrew met with Jesus, then went back to Galilee. Jesus went from the desert to the shore. And He called these professional fisherman, to leave all and come with Him.
Jesus had picked them out and without much speech, Jesus invites them to "Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men." He was telling them to leave their work and go for the bigger prize of fishing for souls of men.
They were common, simple and hard working men--hardy, sweaty and dirty. And they are whom Jesus chose--not scholars, learned men who could quote the Old Testament or all the laws on the books. The Holy Spirit will eventually give them the gift of passionate love for Jesus. They will have lived with Him for 3 years. They would know Him when they were ready to spread His Kingdom..
We need patience and perseverance in bringing souls to God. No hard selling, no pushiness, no talking too much, talking too little or living a life that does not show how important loving Jesus is. Jesus has called us all to be fishers of men. Not every day will be successful or provide the satisfaction of bringing a soul to God. May we one day find joy in bringing a stranger, a family member or a friend to God and His Kingdom.
God Bless You
