Fishing for People
how God lights up his world
My Dear Friends, God's Holy People,
This weekend's Gospel passage gives us a great look at Jesus' mission and how he will accomplish it.
For the former, Saint Matthew tells us that Jesus is ushering in the Kingdom of Heaven (he's bringing heaven to earth). The Gospel author has the prophet Isaiah speak to Jesus' mission:
...the people who sit in darkness have seen a great light, on those dwelling in a land overshadowed by death light has arisen.
The theme of God's light overcoming the darkness of the world is thoroughly biblical. It's no surprise to us, either, as members of a parish whose motto is lumen gentium, to think of Jesus as the light of the world.
Further, the splash page of our parish website makes use of the same theme:
It reads, "Find your place in God's plan: light up the world.”
Jesus' mission is to light up the world. As members of his body - called to embody God's love! - we are to take up this same task.
But how?
Jesus gives us the answer when he calls Simon (Peter) and Andrew to follow him. He says, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.” This is how God will light up his world.
Our relationship with Jesus compels us to become fishers of men. Having life in Christ - or having his life at work in us - we become the light of God's love for the world.
This is a grand and lofty call, but it's only accomplished in the small (and sometimes seemingly mundane) details of our lives. Being God's love for the world means loving the person in front of me, no matter who they are; it means being eager to show this particular person mercy, no matter what they've done; it means living every moment for God when all I seem to be doing is the dishes or the laundry.
I reflected a little bit on the same theme this morning on the Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul, Apostle.
If you get a chance, let me know what you think. I look forward to seeing you soon!
Christ's Peace,
Father Daniel
δοῦλος Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ
PS Join us on Sunday and Friday this week to celebrate the successes of our wonderful school. Discover the OLMC Difference: how we're forming children to light up the world as the scholars, citizens, and saints of tomorrow!
Preparing for Mass?
Check out this weekend's readings:
Third Sunday in Ordinary Time
The Miraculous Draught of Fishes:
Raphael, 1515