Today's Gospel: Mark 1:14-20 Today’s Gospel story tells us about Jesus calling Simon Peter, his brother Andrew, James, and his brother John to follow Him. I have always found it interesting that Jesus chose four fishermen first. Of course, Jesus uses a fishing metaphor to tell them what they could do for Him. He tells them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” What did He mean by that? Well, He was speaking to fishermen. They would purposefully go out in their boats, throw out their nets, and gather in the fish they caught. They would understand His invitation. He wanted them to metaphorically go out, cast forth a “net”, and gather men (meaning all people) to Jesus. He was asking them to help Him bring people in to hear and understand the Good News. They would follow Him, learn from Him, and then bring more people to Him. Just imagine what it would be like to be personally invited by the Messiah Himself to follow and work for Him. It must have been the most joyous moment of their lives. They must have heard of Him, they must have heard Him speak, to be so willing to follow Him on a moment’s notice. I wonder what their families were thinking. I wonder what the bystanders were thinking. But these normal men, Simon Peter, Andrew, James, and John, called to be extraordinary, were confident that it was the right thing to do. So, off they went. I hope to be that confident in Jesus’s call for me.

Ponder:

Have I answered Jesus's call?

Pray:

Dear Lord, I want to answer Your call. Help me be, by word and example, a "fisher of men" for You.
Copyright 2019 Laurann Donahue I am the Director of Religious Education for my parish. I am a mother of five, four boys and one girl. Only one son is still in school at our parish school. I minister to the catechists and the children of our parish. I pray to be an example of hope and peace for all in our parish. Receive CatholicMom.com newsletters in your inbox, including the Daily Gospel Reflection each morning! * indicates required
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