Gospel Reading for the 5th Sunday in Lent: Year B
“They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and said to him, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” Philip went and told Andrew; then Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus.” (John 12: 21 and 22)
Taking a child fishing is perhaps one of the happiest moments a fishing person can have with a child. It ranks right up there with a baby taking their first step, or a child learning to ride a bicycle. When the fish is caught, patience is required of the experienced fisherman. We must let the child experience “bringing it in” and, taking it off the hook. It’s all a part of fishing.
The Greeks in today’s Gospel lesson have bit the hook of Philip who is being taught by Andrew, (a fisherman by trade), how to fish. Jesus himself is the Master Fisherman. And while Jesus goes on to talk about how sad he is that he has to depart back to his eternal realm, there has to be some degree of happiness about the fishing seed that has been planted in us and how it will continue to multiply over and over again.
As you live out your Church life, people will approach you about wanting to see “your Jesus.” When this happens, and it will, take them to the priest or the wardens of your parish and invite them to a Sunday service. Our Lord Jesus will take it from there. Jesus trained us to be fishermen for the kingdom. The fishing seed is planted. It is now time for you to bloom where you are planted. It’s all a part of the Gospel fishing inheritance.
Let us pray:
Dear Lord Jesus, author of love and peace, you have set the example of love for all humanity to follow and caused a deep desire in us to want to be like you. Assist us as we strive to follow the pattern you have set and let us draw others to your ways for the sake of the kingdom of heaven where you continue to invite us to eternal life. In your name we pray: Amen.
Please keep up your thoughts and prayers and hopes for Ukraine and Russia, Israel and Palestine, and our schools including St. Augustine in Raleigh, North Carolina.
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 