Love and forgiveness were the cornerstone of Jesus' invitation
by Sister Lynne Marie Simonich
On this Third Sunday in Ordinary Time Jesus invites us to follow him. We hear that Simon and his brother Andrew and James and his brother John drop everything and go with Jesus. Do you wonder how Zebedee (father of James and John) felt left holding the nets? How amazing that these fishermen would abandon their families and their livelihood to “fish for people”!
How did they encourage others to follow Jesus? There is a quote found in the Book of Zechariah 8:23: “In those days ten people from nations of every language will take hold, yes, will take hold of the cloak of every Judahite and say, ‘Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.’" Could that be why people followed these fishermen?
Jesus brought the best out of them – proclaiming love and forgiveness. He had a profound affect on them and changed their lives. Others yearned for that love and forgiveness and were willing to follow the one who brought peace to a troubled world.
Reflection questions:
What or who encourages me to continue to follow Jesus?
How do I encourage another to follow the Prince of Peace?
"What or who encourages me to continue to follow Jesus?"
The Spirit of Truth, that very Spirit JESUS said would be with us always, our Advocate, [Jn. 15:26] the One whom worldly powers do not, cannot recognize as their sight - their ambitions are focused on worldly things, like wealth, fame, and self-glory. I have learned how to pray to, for, and with this Spirit in my life, as I have come to know and recognize S/He is the only True Power that will "save," "salve," "whole," and restore us.
"How do I encourage another to follow the Prince of Peace?"
By prompting others to seek the Spirit of Truth - in all things, for it is only "the Truth that will set us all free." [Jn. 8:32] And it is only the foundation of Truth on and from which Peace, Justice, and Love can be birthed, will flourish and sustain us. Where there is Truth, 'fullness-of-life' comes into being. Lies and deception lead only to misery and death.
By encouraging all to learn, to grow, to seek a fuller understanding. Read - and pray with all of John, Chapter 8. Read - and pray with all of John, Chapter 15. Read - and pray with all of Psalm 85.
Thank you, Sr. Lynn Marie, for asking! :)