This Sunday’s Gospel is, like last weeks, another call to discipleship. Here we have Jesus inviting Simon, Andrew, James and John to follow him. This is preceded by Jesus commencing his ministry in Galilee, proclaiming that the Kingdom of God is near, and exhorting all to repent and believe his Good News. Obviously these four fishermen were bowled over by the message and they left everything “at once” and followed him.
All Christians are called in a similar way through our baptism. What will my contribution be? At various times in our lives we may reflect on where we are going, what we are doing with our lives – do we consider the fact that we have already been called by Christ? Do we acknowledge gratefully all the gifts, skills and abilities we have been given?
In reality, we are all called by the Lord to build up the body of Christ. It is not a question of if but rather of how. Can I discern where and to what, is God calling me? It is not necessarily a “once-off” call either – we are called every day in all the situations and interactions we have with ourselves and others, in all the choices we make. We follow Christ when we choose to respond, react and relate to others with generosity, compassion and love.
Prayer: God of surprises, take me by surprise once more and let me see how my special gifts could be part of your project of the Kingdom in Jesus Christ. Amen. (www.tarsus.ie)
