1st Week of Advent: Wednesday
Reading: Matthew 4:18-22
As Jesus was walking by the sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon, who was called Peter, and his brother Andrew; they were making a cast in the lake with their net, for they were fishermen. And he said to them, ‘Follow me and I will make you fishers of men.’ And they left their nets at once and followed him. Going on from there he saw another pair of brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John; they were in their boat with their father Zebedee, mending their nets, and he called them. At once, leaving the boat and their father, they followed him.
Reflection
Here we meet Jesus creating community. He needs a team to support him in his mission and wastes no opportunity to invite people to join him. Pomp and ceremony are not the hallmark of Jesus’ approach as he prefers to meet people where they are at on their life journey and call them to greater fullness of life. A walk by the sea of Galilee is an opportune moment to touch the lives of ‘ordinary people.’ In the first instance, his eyes rest on Simon and Andrew as they go about their daily work. Incomes must be earned to support their families and the local fish stalls value their catch each week. Jesus’ vision for them is greater than this as he takes the long view of building up the kingdom of God. He calls them and they follow immediately. A few paces along the strand, John who was to become the beloved disciple and his brother James are repairing well-worn nets. The spirit moves deep within their hearts when Jesus calls and not looking back to kiss their father goodbye, they too exchange ‘fish scales’ for eternal nets. A new community is born.
We too have been captured in the nets of the Lord and been brought safely to shore. The breakfast of his Word and Eucharist are offered to us so that we may share his Good News within our communities through acts of kindness and care each day. We give thanks for the prayer and support of our parents and all who first introduced us to the great fisherman from Galilee.