Recalling the priest poet Daniel Berrigan’s, S.J,. words when opposing the Vietnam war by burning the draft cards. Apt for today’s world.
“. . . Our apologies, good friends, for the fracture of good order. The burning of paper, instead of children. . . . For we are sick at heart, our hearts give us no rest for thinking of the Land of Burning Children. . . . We say: killing is disorder, life and gentleness and community and unselfishness is the only order we recognize. For the sake of that order, we risk our liberty, our good name. . . . When, at what point, will you say no to this war? We have chosen to say with the gift of our liberty, if necessary our lives: the violence stops here. The death stops here. The suppression of the truth stops here. This war stops here . . . ”
- Provided by priest friend FOL.
Greetings on this the Feast of Saint Andrew, Apostle
Readings: Rom 10:9-18; PS 19:8, 9, 10, 11; Mt 4:18-22
Notes:
Summary
As Jesus was walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon who is called Peter, and his brother Andrew, casting a net into the sea; they were fishermen. He said to them, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.”
Thus our gospel portion today starts with a calling to serve as ‘fishers of men.’ It is a nice twist on the role of a fisherman. I mean, you know, fishing is intended to catch a fish who would rather not be caught and when caught filleted and cooked for the eating pleasure of the fisherman.
So we need a different perspective on fishing then.
Reflection
Fishing nets are used to gather in fish. So to fish means ‘to gather’.
How do we gather?
The word of Christ.
Heard.
From the person sent whos feet carried them to us.
Taken from the written sacred Scripture and from the personal experience of Jesus.
Then we can believe.
Personal Reflection
How do I gather in for Jesus?
Teach, preach, serve the needs of others.
Pray and remember all as often as possible.
Hope and be open to the miraculous.
First Reading
For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.
Their voice has gone forth to all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world.
Responsorial
The judgments of the Lord are true, and all of them are just.
Gospel Acclamation
Come after me, says the Lord,
and I will make you fishers of men.
Gospel
He said to them, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.”
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry