The Gospel Reading for the 3rd Sunday Week of Epiphany: Year B
“As Jesus passed along the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the sea—for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, “Follow me and I will make you fish for people.” And immediately they left their nets and followed him.” (Mark 1: 16 to 18)
As I study these ancient writings, I see more and more the second calling of people. David was a shepherd and Amos also a shepherd and dresser of sycamore trees before David was called to be a king, and Amos a temporary prophet to Israel, as Amos testifies, “Then Amos answered Amaziah, ‘I am no prophet, nor a prophet’s son; but I am a herdsman, and a dresser of sycamore trees, and the Lord took me from following the flock, and the Lord said to me, “Go, prophesy to my people Israel;.” (Amos 7: 14 and 15).
Jesus continues his recruiting walk down the beach and enlists the help of the brothers John and James who were also fishermen before being called to be evangelist. Jesus himself was a carpenter before moving on to the work of salvation as was His mission from before time began.
How about you and I? I was first called to serve in the military and served in the Marines for 30 years. Now I am called to serve as preacher and spiritual companion for any who need me. What a wonderful biblical tradition I am following. But it is one of service. When God invites us to follow Him, it is not about us, it is about a community. It may not be the community you are currently residing in as with Amos or even Abraham who was told by God; “Now the Lord said to Abram, ‘Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you, and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing: (Genesis 12:1 and 2)
The way God calls us is the same in both the Old and New Testaments. Often (but not always) we get a name change as in from Abram to Abraham, and from Simon to Peter. Also our additional call to God’s service does not necessarily eliminate our previous vocation. Amos went back to his work as a shepherd and dresser of sycamore trees, and Paul continued as a tent maker in addition to his call to preach the Gospel. I don’t do anything pertaining to national defense anymore but I do still continue to manage people in order that they might be the best they can be. How about you? When our Lord Jesus says to you, “Follow Me,” how are you called to preach the Gospel in word and deed, and where are you called to do it?
Please keep up your thoughts and prayers and hopes for Ukraine and Russia, Israel and Palestine, and our schools.
As we listen to what the Spirit of God is saying to us, let us live to love and serve, and to teach others to love and serve, while pondering anew what the Almighty can do. John
onewhoponders 