Fishers of Men

Greetings on this the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time
Readings: Jon 3:1-5, 10; Ps 25:4-5, 6-7, 8-9; 1 Cor 7:29-31; Mk 1:14-20

Notes

Jonah had credibility. Why is that? Read the amazing story of the first chapter of the Book of Jonah here: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/jonah/1

Jonah had credibility because of others sharing their experiences with and about Jonah.

The story of Jonah has great theological import. It concerns a disobedient prophet who rejected his divine commission, was cast overboard in a storm and swallowed by a great fish, rescued in a marvelous manner, and returned to his starting point. Now he obeys and goes to Nineveh, the capital of Israel’s ancient enemy. The Ninevites listen to his message of doom and repent immediately. All, from king to lowliest subject, humble themselves in sackcloth and ashes. Seeing their repentance, God does not carry out the punishment planned for them. At this, Jonah complains, angry because the Lord spares them. This fascinating story caricatures a narrow mentality which [we] would see God’s interest (https://bible.usccb.org/bible/jonah/0).

Summary

Who doesn’t love the story of Jonah. Fascinating and often told as example and also ridiculed as fantastical and not possible. But it is invocative in every measure.

Reflection

Jesus like Jonah is pushed to do the Lord’s will even against his own in a manner of speaking: saying, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup away from me; still, not my will but yours be done.” (LK 22:42). Jonah is a sign of Jesus too: Just as Jonah was in the belly of the whale three days and three nights, so will the Son of Man be in the heart of the earth three days and three nights (MT 12:40).

Jesus and Jonah share a lot of common attributes.

• Jonah had credibility because of others sharing their experiences with and about Jonah.
• Jesus had credibility because of others sharing their experiences with and about Jesus.

From our gospel portion today, we have the witness of Mark about the calling of Simon, Andrew, James and John. Like Jonah: Repent is the first message. Turn your hearts to the Lord. Going beyond Jonah: Follow me and making a divine promise: I will make you fishers of men.

Personal Reflection

Jonah and Jesus have credibility with me. I repent and believe in the gospel. I plan to continue to follow and be a fisher of men. However that form takes. Whale and all.

First Reading

When the people of Nineveh believed God; they proclaimed a fast and all of them, great and small, put on sackcloth. When God saw by their actions how they turned from their evil way, he repented of the evil that he had threatened to do to them; he did not carry it out.

Responsorial

Teach me your ways, O Lord.

Second Reading

I tell you, brothers and sisters, the time is running out. For the world in its present form is passing away.

Gospel Acclamation

The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe in the Gospel.

Gospel

After John had been arrested, Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the gospel of God: “This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.”

Then

• he saw Simon and his brother Andrew.
• he saw James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John.

Jesus said to them, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.”

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry