Welcome back to Ordinary Time! In the first reading today we begin the first Book of Samuel. Today we read about a broken-hearted woman, Hannah. She was barren and wanted desperately to have a child. If you’re married, you’ll probably laugh when you read what her husband said to her. (Hint: he’s a typical male.)
In the Gospel reading today from Mark 1, we read about the call of the first disciples – Simon and his brother Andrew and James and his brother John, the sons of Zebedee. Jesus says to Simon and Andrew, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Notice that Jesus said “fishers of men” and not “catchers of men.”
Fishing is a great activity/sport/hobby/pastime. The thing about it is you’re never guaranteed to catch anything. That’s why it’s such an appropriate thing to say when talking about evangelization efforts. There’s no guarantee our efforts will be successful. Like fishing, it can sometimes be frustrating. I’ve spent many a day on the lake coming up empty. But we still have to “fish.” Leave the catching up to God.
Father, give us diligence in our “fishing” (evangelization). May we always be fishers of men. Amen.
A good fisherman has lots of knowledge about how and where to fish. Increase your knowledge of the faith with A Minute in the Church, available now at www.GusLloyd.com.
We are beginning our 4th Alpha at church as a host and helper. Amazing g encounters have happened – people’s eyes have been open to Jesus’s love for the through His Holy Spirit. We pray for His Spirit and pray over each other – always the Spirit – never us, but we call Him – Come, Holy Spirit and He is there and we just wait and he begins to work on each person individually. Alpha has given me a voice and my love for My Lord and others has been multiplied over and over again. Please pray for the success of our Alpha Family. Thanks so much!