Ordinary Made Fishers of Men: “Christ is always present to his Church, especially in the action of the liturgy…” [(SC nn 7-8) DO]

 

Ordinary Made Fishers of Men

Jonah 3:1-5,10; 1 Cor 7:29-31; Mk 1:14-20 (3) B

“Christ is always present to his Church, especially in the action of the liturgy…” (SC nn 7-8) DO

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Jesus called a small group of people to become his disciples and he gave them a mission – “to catch people for the kingdom of God”. He chose ordinary fishermen. They did not have wealth, special education, nor social status in society. They were chosen from the common people who did ordinary things, and Jesus wanted them to do extraordinarily things after his ascension. Following the call “Follow me”, they were to toil in this world, human society, with all its uncertainties, vicissitudes, and dangers. The fish they sought were human souls. The net which they let down at the Divine command was the gospel to bring it to all souls. 

The response was cheerful compliance. There was no objection, no hesitation, no condition, not even an inquiry. It was willing, contented obedience to authoritative binding. This compliance was immediate and self-sacrificing leaving all their nets, kindred, occupation, in order that they might follow Jesus. Christ has called us and is still calling us. The burden of his appeal is “Come after me!” Receiving salvation seek that you may be the means of saving others. And bear in mind that he demands a complete surrender, that he will not be satisfied unless we are dedicated to him. We will have something to give up in following Christ, like the fishermen of Galilee.

In Christian call, diligence is an important duty. And God is sure to acknowledge it and bless it while Satan is ever ready to defeat. It is very much observant in certain stories of the Bible. Moses was called to bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt when he was keeping the flock of Jethro his father-in-law. Gideon was summoned to save Israel from the hand of the Midianites when he was threshing wheat by the wine-press. Saul was called by Samuel and was anointed with oil to be captain over the Lord's inheritance when he was searching for the lost asses of his father. God called David to the high office of shepherd of his people Israel when he was tending a few sheep in the wilderness. And in the same way it is with all the prophets.

Today Jesus is calling us with a great sense of urgency and immediacy. The Kingdom of God is here and now and its fulfillment is at hand. How might our lives be sensitive to the immediacy of God’s kingdom inviting non-Christians to our salvation? The Dogmatic constitution (LG. nn 2.16) professes that God himself is not far from those other who seek the unknown God in darkness and shadows, for it is he who gives to all men life and inspiration and ….as savior desires all men to be saved. Eternal salvation is open to those who, through no fault of their own, do not know Christ and his Church but seek God with a sincere heart…… by the dictates of their conscience.

 The skill and patience and vigilance of the fishermen was to watch and labor for souls. We need to have the same skill and diligence. The message of Christ was simple: repent and believe in the Gospel, the Good News. May his Good News save our baptized souls in order to save the souls not knowing Christ.  let us be prepared for this, and count the cost. But, for our soul’s sake and salvation for others, let nothing hinder us from faith and consecration. Jesus stands by us.