St Andrew, Apostle, Saturday, November 30, 2024

Reflection on the WORD

“Calling – Fishers of men” – Faith: In today’s Gospel, Jesus called Andrew, Peter, James and John to be “fishers of men”. They are to be part of His Mission of proclaiming the Good News of Salvation to all peoples. Ponder on, “All Christians, are ‘called’ to witness and draw people closer to God. Let us then, be enlightened and empowered by the Holy Spirit.”

Matthew 4:18-22

As Jesus was walking by the Sea of Galilee he saw two brothers, Simon, who was called Peter, and his brother Andrew; they were making a cast in the lake with their net, for they were fishermen. And he said to them, ‘Follow me and I will make you fishers of men.’ And they left their nets at once and followed him. 

Going on from there he saw another pair of brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John; they were in their boat with their father Zebedee, mending their nets, and he called them. At once, leaving the boat and their father, they followed him. 

Today's Pointers on God's Word

As you read the passage what words, phases or meanings caught your attention?

  • In today’s Gospel Jesus called fishermen to be His disciples and first evangelizers.  These simple men must have heard of Jesus’ teachings and were already open to His Truth when Jesus called them individually.
  • If we ponder more deeply, we could see that Jesus found these fishermen to be patient, perceptive, hard- working, courageous and the like, and therefore suitable as disciples. 
  • Have we heard Jesus’ Spirit challenging us to serve Him more fully, but turn away from Him because we did not wish to give ourselves to His service?  Is this Spirit still challenging you in your present life?