In this reflection, Jeff Cavins discusses the concept of being a fisherman in the context of the Gospel readings for the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time. He talks about how Jesus called Simon and Andrew to be fishers of men, using their fishing skills as a metaphor for spreading the Good News and bringing people into a right relationship with God.
Cavins emphasizes the importance of preparation and skill in being a fisher of men. He suggests that knowing the message of the Bible and becoming familiar with God's voice through prayer and Scripture reading is vital. He also recommends studying the Catechism to deepen one's understanding of the Church's teachings.
However, Cavins asserts that it's not enough to know the message; one must also understand people and the challenges they face. He encourages empathy and a genuine understanding of others' experiences.
Additionally, Cavins emphasizes the need for skill in engaging with others. He discusses the importance of knowing when and how to speak, as well as the importance of love, gentleness, and kindness in approaching others. He suggests learning from Jesus as a mentor and watching how He engages with people.
Cavins also highlights the virtues of patience and tenacity when it comes to evangelizing. Just as fishermen spend hours waiting for a catch, he encourages believers to remain faithful and persistent in their efforts to bring others to Christ.
Finally, Cavins reminds listeners to not become too attached to the things of this world, as it can hinder one's ability to be an effective fisher of men.
Overall, Cavins emphasizes the need for preparation, skill, patience, and tenacity in fulfilling the calling to be a fisherman for Christ._
Sometimes God's first chosen people thought they were the only people God could ever favor. This is a story about pagan people who turn to God, and how God used a reluctant servant to bring that about. (Greg Warnusz)
OUTLINE
I. God gives Jonah a second chance to go to Nineveh. II. Jonah obeys and proclaims God's message of impending judgment. III. The people of Nineveh believe and repent, including the king. IV. God sees their repentance and relents from bringing destruction.
What Happens Before
The book opens with God calling Jonah to go to the city of Nineveh and proclaim judgment against it, as the city has become corrupt and wicked. However, instead of obeying God, Jonah tries to flee to Tarshish, a city in the opposite direction.
God causes a great storm to rise up while Jonah is on a ship. The other sailors on board eventually realize that Jonah is the cause of the storm and they throw him into the sea. However, God provides a great fish to swallow Jonah and he spends three days and nights in the belly of the fish. During this time, Jonah acknowledges his disobedience and prays for Gods forgiveness. God hears Jonahs prayer and commands the fish to spit Jonah out onto dry land. This leads to the passage in Jonah 3:1-5.
What Happens After
In Jonah 3:10, we see the result of the Ninevites repentance: When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he relented and did not bring on them the destruction he had threatened. This is a significant turning point in the book of Jonah, as it shows the mercy and compassion of God towards those who genuinely repent and turn to him. It also demonstrates the power of God to bring about change in the hearts of even the most wicked people.
Historical and Cultural Context
The events described in Jonah take place during the reign of Jeroboam II, the king of Israel, between 793-753 BC. This was a time of great prosperity for Israel, but also a time of spiritual decline. The Assyrian Empire was the dominant power at this time, and Nineveh was its capital city. Nineveh was known for its violence and brutality, and the Assyrians were notorious for their cruelty towards their enemies.
It is important to note that the Assyrian empire was often at war with Israel, and the Israelites would have seen them as enemies. This makes Jonahs call to prophesy to the Ninevites even more challenging, as the Israelites may have viewed the Assyrians as beyond redemption. However, the book of Jonah shows that Gods mercy and salvation are not limited to any one nation or people, but are available to all who turn to him.
SOURCE: Content written in collaboration with OpenAI's GPT-3.5 model.
2nd Reading: 1 Cor 7:29-31
At the time he wrote this early letter, Saint Paul, like most Christians then, believed Jesus was soon to return in glory, and everything would change. This is some of his advice on getting prepared.(Greg Warnusz)
OUTLINE
I. The time is short and the present form of this world is passing away. II. Those who have wives should live as if they had none. III. Those who mourn should live as if they did not. IV. Those who use the things of the world should not be engrossed in them.
What Happens Before
Before 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Paul begins by addressing the topic of marriage and singleness in 1 Corinthians 7:1-8. He talks about how it is good for a man to remain unmarried, but if they cannot control their sexual desires, they should marry (verse 2). He also addresses those who are already married and advises them to not seek a divorce unless absolutely necessary (verses 10-11). Paul then goes on to talk about mixed marriages between believers and unbelievers and how it is better for them to remain together if the unbelieving spouse is willing (verses 12-16).
What Happens After
After 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Paul continues to talk about the benefits of remaining single and how it allows for undivided devotion to the Lord (verse 32-35). He also addresses those who are engaged and advises them to consider the present distress and persecution that may come from their commitment to the Lord (verse 36-38). Paul then concludes the passage by discussing the duties of husbands and wives in marriage (verses 39-40).
Historical and Cultural Context
Historically, the Corinthians were living in a city that was culturally diverse and morally corrupt. They were surrounded by pagan beliefs and practices, including those related to marriage and sexuality. In this context, Paul is trying to guide believers in Corinth on how to live pure and devoted lives in the midst of a corrupt culture.
Culturally, marriage was highly valued in Corinth and was seen as a duty and responsibility, especially for men. Singleness was viewed with suspicion and was not seen as a valid or desirable lifestyle. Paul is challenging these cultural norms and promoting the value of singleness as a way to fully devote oneself to the Lord.
SOURCE: Content written in collaboration with OpenAI's GPT-3.5 model.
Gospel: Mk 1:14-20
In the earliest gospel, we have heard about John the Baptist deferring to Jesus, a voice from heaven declaring Jesus' favor, Jesus' fasting and his temptation. Now we are ready to hear his first public words.(Greg Warnusz)
OUTLINE
I. Jesus proclaims the good news of God. II. Jesus calls Simon and Andrew to follow Him. III. Jesus calls James and John, who also leave everything to follow Him.
What Happens Before
The Gospel of Mark begins with the introduction of John the Baptist as the one who prepares the way for Jesus ministry. John is preaching a message of repentance and baptizing people in the Jordan River. Mark also introduces Jesus, describing his baptism by John and the voice from heaven affirming him as the beloved Son of God. He is then driven into the wilderness for 40 days where he is tempted by Satan. After overcoming these temptations, Jesus begins his public ministry by calling his first disciples.
What Happens After
The call of the disciples in this passage sets the stage for Jesus ministry and the central theme of discipleship in the Gospel. It also highlights the radical nature of Jesus teachings and the response needed from his followers - to leave everything and follow him. This message continues throughout the Gospel of Mark, challenging readers to consider whether they are truly willing to follow Jesus at all costs.
Historical and Cultural Context
At the time of Jesus, the region of Galilee was predominantly Jewish, but was also influenced by Greek and Roman culture. The Jewish people were under the Roman occupation and were eagerly waiting for the promised Messiah to deliver them from Roman rule. This would have been a tense and expectant atmosphere, which helps to explain the mixed reactions of people to Jesus teachings and miracles.
Fishing was a common occupation in Galilee, and it was a respected and important trade. It provided food, work, and income for many families. Therefore, for Simon, Andrew, James, and John to leave their successful fishing business to follow Jesus would have been seen as a radical and risky decision.
In Jewish culture, it was common for rabbis to call disciples to follow them and learn from them. However, it was not common for the disciples to leave behind their occupations and become full-time followers. This would have been seen as even more radical and unconventional in the eyes of the Jewish community.
SOURCE: Content written in collaboration with OpenAI's GPT-3.5 model.
Explanation: The first thing that Jesus proclaims in this passage is the time of fulfillment and the nearness of the kingdom of God. Jesus is calling us to repent and believe in the gospel, which means to turn away from our sins and embrace the good news of Jesus Christ. This is not just a one-time decision, but a continual process of surrendering our lives to Jesus and growing in our faith.
Illustration: Imagine a boat that is heading towards a dangerous storm. The captain realizes the danger and turns the boat in the opposite direction, away from the storm. Similarly, Jesus is calling us to turn away from the destructive path of sin and follow Him, who is the way, the truth, and the life.
Application: Are there areas in our lives that we need to repent and turn away from? Are we willing to fully surrender our lives to Jesus and believe in the good news that He brings? Let us take time to examine our hearts and make a conscious decision to follow Jesus and His teachings.
Main Point 2: The Call to Discipleship.
Explanation: In this passage, we see Jesus calling His first disciples, Simon, Andrew, James, and John. He invites them to follow Him and promises to make them fishers of men. This call to discipleship is not just for the initial followers of Jesus, but for all of us who choose to follow Him.
Illustration: Imagine a master craftsman inviting his apprentice to learn from him and become skilled in his craft. Similarly, Jesus invites us to become His disciples, to learn from Him, and to be trained in the ways of the kingdom of God.
Application: Are we willing to answer the call of discipleship? Are we ready to learn from Jesus and be trained as His followers? Let us open our hearts to His teachings and allow Him to mold us into His disciples.
Main Point 3: Counting the Cost of Discipleship.
Explanation: As we continue reading in Mark’s Gospel, we see that following Jesus does not come without a cost. His disciples faced challenges, opposition, and even persecution for the sake of the gospel. Jesus Himself said in Luke 9:23, “if anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.”
Illustration: Imagine a soldier who enlists in the army. He knows that he will face danger and sacrifices, but he still chooses to serve his country. In the same way, our commitment to follow Jesus may require sacrifices and challenges, but the reward of eternal life with Him is worth it.
Application: Are we willing to count the cost of discipleship and still choose to follow Jesus? Are we ready to face challenges and sacrifices for the sake of the gospel? Let us pray for the strength and willingness to follow Jesus no matter the cost.
Reference: NABRE (New American Bible, Revised Edition) Bible, USCCB (United States Conference of Catholic Bishops)
Together with God’s Word
by Kay Murdy
Kay Murdy
Together with God’s Word
KEY VERSE: “Follow me and I will make you fish for people” (Mark 1:17).
3rd Sunday of Year B
TO KNOW: With John’s arrest, Jesus continued the Baptist’s proclamation: “Repent and believe the good news that God’s reign is at hand.” The long-awaited fulfillment of God’s promises had arrived in the person and ministry of Jesus Christ. As Jesus preached along the Sea of Galilee, he called four fishermen to be his first disciples. Simon and his brother Andrew immediately responded to Jesus’ call. James and John, another pair of brothers, left their family and livelihood to follow him. Jesus promised his disciples that they would be instruments to spread the gospel throughout the world. During their journey together, they would discover that there were no half-measures to serving the Lord. Faith demands conversion and repentance, not just once but as a lifelong process. Jesus tells us to follow him, which means to do what he does, to call other people to the kingdom. “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of people.” That is addressed to all of us, to all the disciples.
TO LOVE: What is the most difficult thing for me to sacrifice in order to follow Jesus? TO SERVE: Lord Jesus, help me to hear and obey your call.
1. What motivated the disciples of John to follow Jesus? Why didn’t John follow after the One he pointed others to?
2. In light of verses 30 and 31, how do you think John felt when his disciples left him for Jesus? In what ways are you called in humility to “decrease” so that Jesus can “increase”?
3. How do you picture Andrew and John’s first encounter with Jesus? Who was the first to speak? What tone of voice do you think he used?
4. How do you think Simon felt when Jesus changed his name to Kepha (meaning “Rock”)? What significant event did this early encounter anticipate (Matthew 16:13-19)?
5. What is your response to the Andrews of the world to “come and see” Jesus in the circumstances of your everyday life? How can you “stay with him” throughout the day?
6 Can you, like Andrew, say, “We have found the Messiah”? How or where have you found him? How can you further imitate Andrew to share the Lord?
1. Did Jonah run away from Yahweh when he was called? Can you relate to that sometimes? Were both Jonah and Jesus calling people to conversion and to doing good? Were these announcements intended for every nation and every person on earth?
SECOND READING
2. Do you think the message in this reading concerns preparation for the next life or happiness in this life? Does having your security rest in the goods of this world make you happy? Paul says, “Let … those using the world [act] as not using it fully.” Could this be a recipe for happiness now?
GOSPEL
3. Must you be called as a missionary and go, for instance, to Africa, in order to respond to the Gospel? Or could you be called to bring the Good News whether you are fisherman, woman, or theologian—in whatever you do, wherever you are? Which way does Jesus call you?
1. In the First Reading and Gospel, there is a call to repentance. What does the word ‘repentance’ mean to you? During this Covid time, might repentance mean anything a bit different than pre-Covid time?
2. Our Church tells us that conversion is an ongoing and daily challenge. At this time, can you name an area of your life where conversion may be needed?
3. Can you recall the first time you had an experiential sense of God’s call? If so, what was that experience like for you?
GOSPEL
4. In the Gospels, Peter, Andrew, James and John were not only called to follow Jesus, they were also called to be missionary disciples of Jesus. To what extent do you have a missionary sense in even small ways, like telling others about a good religious book you are reading. To what extent do you have “fire in your belly” for leading others to Christ?
5. Name one thing today’s Gospel says to us that we disciples of Jesus need to heed and act on.
