LEAVING OUR NETS TO FOLLOW JESUS

 “SPRINGS OF LIVING WATER”

Daily Spiritual Reflections

10th January 2022

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MONDAY, FIRST WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

1 Sm 1: 1-8; Ps 116: 12-19; Mk 1: 14-20

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LEAVING OUR NETS TO FOLLOW JESUS

As Jesus was walking along the Lake of Galilee, he called Simon, Andrew, James and John. It is inspiring to see the conviction in the response of the four disciples. But it is also surprising to see a high standard for discipleship. Leaving everything, to follow a wandering preacher into an unknown future, then and there. Many of us will find it hard to imagine ourselves doing what these four did. 

If we want to follow Jesus, we need to abandon the life we currently have and live in his likeness and image. This is not a call solely to the clergy and the religious, but every disciple and every Christian. How can we who have families and jobs and all the responsibilities attached to them offer ourselves to him? By surrendering everything to him – family, job, each opportunity, each decision, each endeavour; i.e. life itself, wait attentively for his inspiration and direction, and seek to be obedient even if it goes against our practical reason or delicate heart. Thus, we ‘abandon’ everyone and everything without really leaving home and family; we give up to receive them again from the hand of God, like Abraham, who gave up his son Isaac and then received him from God’s hand. It is this kind of detachment or rather surrender, that the Lord expects from us. 

So let us ask ourselves today: “How can I be more like these four disciples in following the Lord? What can I surrender today in the service of the Lord? My worries for my family? My desire for financial security? My ambition to be successful at work? What sacrifices can I make? Can I think of spending some of my hard-earned money on someone unrelated to me, someone who needs it much more than me at this present moment? Can I think of offering my service at the parish to help in its evangelizing mission? Can I think of setting aside my time of entertainment to spend a little more time in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament?”

Response: A thanksgiving sacrifice I make to you, O Lord.

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