Daily Office Readings for Tuesday of Holy Week: Year 1
Morning, Psalm 6 and 12; Evening, Psalm 94;
Jeremiah 15:10 to 21; Philippians 3:15 to 21; John 12:20 to 26;
“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, teaching fisherman. We must let the child experience “bringing it in” and, maybe even taking it off the hook. It’s all a part of the fishing experience.
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 for people. Jesus himself is the Master Fisherman, (who has already told them that he would teach them to fish for people). 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, 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 in you. It is now time for you to bloom. It’s all a part of the fishing experience.
As we listen to what the Spirit of God is saying to us, let us live to love and to serve, and to teach others to love and to serve, while pondering anew what the Almighty can do. John
Let us pray:
O Almighty God, while we are not taught to insist that all believe the way we do, make us, and keep us, open and receptive, to those who come to us desiring to see You the way we do. Let us show seekers our loving and inclusive Jesus who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, forever and ever, Amen.
onewhoponders 