Daily Gospel Reflection for November 30, 2022

Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus calls Simon and his brother Andrew to come and follow Him. He immediately invites two more brothers, James and John, to follow Him. When He calls them, He says, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.”

I’ve been reflecting on this passage a lot the last few years (and not just because I love how this scene is portrayed in the TV series, The Chosen!). Usually, people read this passage as simply a description of Jesus beginning to gather His disciples, but I think it offers us some guidance when it comes to both teaching and evangelization.

While working on my doctorate in education, my classmates, professors, and I talked a lot about culturally relevant pedagogy. Simply put, culturally relevant pedagogy is about meeting the students where they are, introducing them to new content in ways that are relevant to their own lives. Jesus demonstrates this beautifully in today’s Gospel. He meets these four fishermen literally in the place where they are most of the time—fishing in the sea. But He doesn’t just go to them in a place where they are comfortable, He also speaks to them in a way that makes sense to them; He tells these fishermen that they are now going to be catching people! It’s a turn of phrase that is culturally relevant to men who catch fish for a living.

When we are trying to reach others (whether it’s parents with their children, teachers and catechists with students, or anyone wanting to tell others about Jesus), we would be wise to mimic Christ in our approach! Meet these people where they are—both literally and figuratively!

Ponder:

How can I share the Good News of Christ in ways that are culturally relevant to those I want to reach?

Pray:

Lord, help me to mimic Christ as I attempt to help others grow closer to You. Give me the words and the actions necessary to share with others what a good and gracious God You are!