January 23, 2011: 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

“Follow me, and I will make you fishers of people.”

As Jesus walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon who is called Peter and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they made their living by fishing. And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of people.” Immediately they left their nets and followed him. (Matthew 4:18-20)

The first thing Jesus did as he began his public life was invite others to join him. As he gathered his first disciples, they had to leave what they were used to doing and begin something new. They didn’t know where following Jesus would take them, but they followed. These first disciples did not give up fishing. But they certainly had to spend time with Jesus and pay attention to him. Eventually most of them followed him all the way, giving their lives as he gave his.

Action:

We are Jesus’ disciples.
We are not asked to give up everything to follow Jesus.
As disciples of Jesus, however, we are asked to speak and act as Jesus would speak and act.
How do people recognize you as a follower of Jesus?
Here is a helpful clue: Jesus told us to love one another as he loves us. Are you willing to do what it takes to be a disciple of Jesus? How does love speak and act?