REFLECTIONS TODAY
The first thing that Jesus does when he starts his mission of proclaiming the reign of God is to call two sets of brothers: Simon and Andrew who are casting their nets into the sea, and James and John who are mending their nets after fishing. These are fishermen plying their boats in the Sea of Galilee where fish, now commonly known as “St. Peter’s fish,” are abundant. From catching fish, Jesus will make them “fishers of men.” They will “catch alive” or gather human beings for the Kingdom of God. Peter and his companions leave behind their livelihood of catching fish in the Sea of Galilee (actually a lake) and enter into the business of gathering human beings through the preaching of the Gospel. At the great commissioning just before the ascension of Jesus, they who have left behind their boats at the lake are sent to venture to other vaster shores of the world (Mk 16:15).
While Jesus could have accomplished his mission by himself, he chose the company and collaboration of his disciples. He would invite them to be with him and would later send them forth to preach and to have authority to drive out demons (Mk 3:14-15). Jesus is a patient teacher, adjusting himself to their slow journey; he is a “progressive” teacher who leads his disciples through the darkness of forms of human resistance, a journey to the light which passes through the shadow of the cross.
The immediate response of the four men who will be chosen as part of the Twelve (apostles) is emblematic of our response as followers of Jesus. Our response should be quick, joyful, and without reserve, for the work for the Kingdom of God is both a grace and a privilege.
First Reading • Heb 1:1-6
Brothers and sisters: In times past, God spoke in partial and various ways to our ancestors through the prophets; in these last days, he spoke to us through a son, whom he made heir of all things and through whom he created the universe, who is the refulgence of his glory, the very imprint of his being, and who sustains all things by his mighty word. When he had accomplished purification from sins, he took his seat at the right hand of the Majesty on high, as far superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.
For to which of the angels did God ever say: “You are my son; this day I have begotten you”? Or again: “I will be a father to him, and he shall be a son to me”? And again, when he leads the first-born into the world, he says: “Let all the angels of God worship him.”
Responsorial Psalm • Ps 97
“Let all his angels worship him.”
Gospel • Mk 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 left 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.
Source: “365 Days with the Lord 2025,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; E-mail: [email protected]. Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.