Gospel – 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 abandoned 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 on the Gospel
Let us remember we are in the holy presence of God.
“Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.” This Sunday’s Gospel from Mark does not just tell us about Jesus calling His disciples; it also challenges us to pause, take a look at our lives, and follow the call of our vocation.
Now, can you imagine a stranger coming up to you as you were working and asking you to leave everything you know – your job, your family, your possessions – all for His name? The mere thought of having to leave everything to “fish for men” is outrageous! Why would Simon, Andrew abandon their nets? Why would James and John leave their father?
As a young girl, I can recall many moments when I would go fishing with my siblings and my grandpa. He would teach us how to tear the worm, bait the hook, cast the line, hook the fish, and reel it in. And of course, he would teach us the importance of patience until a fish would nibble just the right amount so we could jerk the line and get the hook in its mouth. Why would I, a young girl, stand in the hot sun just to catch a slimy, scaly, and sometimes painfully pokey creature?
This past weekend, 2014-2015 Lasallian Volunteers, LV staff, LV alumni, Brothers of the Christian Schools, and those affiliated with the Lasallian mission gathered in upstate New York for the Mid-Year Retreat. It provided many of us with a much-needed breather from our sites. It also provided us with some much-needed time for discernment. The retreat provided opportunities for growth in sharing, reflection, and prayer. Why would so many young persons commit their lives to service?
I think all of these questions can be answered with one word – love. Simon, Andrew, James, and John left their lives for an undiscovered, yet present, love for Jesus Christ. I would stand in the hot sun just to catch a Bluegill for a love of time with my grandfather. Lasallian Volunteers give of themselves to continue the love Saint John Baptist de La Salle had for the poorest of the poor. This week, I challenge us to share, reflect, and pray about love. Are we able to follow the love Jesus Christ had for each and every one of us?
Katherine Mockler
De La Salle Community – Freeport, NY
Casa de La Salle Residence and Martin de Porres High School
Saint John Baptist de La Salle, pray for us.
Live Jesus in our hearts, forever.