Scripture Reflection – Third Sunday in Ordinary Time (21-22 Jan 2017)

Our Gospel this weekend has two themes that are complementary. One is the beginning of Jesus’ ministry with his message and the other is the call of the fishermen to discipleship.

Jesus begins his ministry by fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah, “The people that lived in darkness has seen a great light; on those who dwell in the land and the shadow of death a light has dawned.” To this Jesus announces his one-and-only message: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is close at hand.” The kingdom is God’s way of restoring the brokenness of creation caused by sin. It is a kingdom that bring light and life, which are, the knowledge of or obedience to God’s revelation. It is a kingdom that overpowers the forces of darkness, which are, ignorance or disobedience to God’s revelation. The result is a malfunction and fragmentation of relationships with God, others and self.

Everything that Jesus will teach, say, preach, cure, heal or do, will be indicative of the presence of the Kingdom of God entering into the realm of creation.

To further his mission Jesus calls Peter, Andrew, James and John. He calls them within the context of their everyday lives, doing ordinary mundane tasks – in this instance, mending their nets. It is a very simple scene with profound outcomes. Jesus does not negotiate terms or give instructions, only the promise that they will be made ‘fishers of [people] men.’

Jesus continued his mission by teaching in the synagogues, proclaiming the Good News of the kingdom and curing the sick. All of these are some of the indicative signs that the kingdom is near at hand: that sin/death is being overcome by life/light.

Just as Jesus called the first apostles, he calls each of us to follow him, too. Not everyone is called to leave their business or family behind, but we are expected to put God first in everything. Everything from our time in daily prayer, our talent in participating in one of our parish ministries and our treasure to support the financial needs of our parish mission.