Nov. 30, 2022 – Romans 10:9-18; Matthew 4:18-22
In the first reading Paul emphasizes the necessity of the proclamation of the gospel. People cannot believe unless they have never heard; they will never hear unless there is proclamation; there will be no proclamation unless people are sent. The Gospel reading is Matthew’s account of the call of the first four disciples. “Come after me and I will make you fishers of men,” he says, and they drop everything and go after him. They leave behind all their security and livelihood and even their family.
They follow Jesus with total confidence, unaware of where he is going or what will happen to them. Following Jesus is a liberating experience. To be a Christian is to be free. Let us never forget that.
However, the story is more symbolic than real because we know that
they would later return to their boats, their fishing and their family. Very soon, Peter asked Jesus to heal his mother-in-law of a fever. What is most important is not just the outward acts, but the inward attitude, to be able to use things freely and not be dependent or attached.
“As he was walking along the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon, called Peter, and Andrew his brother” (4:18). Andrew belongs to the group of disciples who knew Jesus from the first hour, recognized him as God’s Envoy and followed him. In Matthew’s Gospel he appears together with Peter but John presents him as the first
disciple (Jn 1:35). Before he met Jesus, Andrew had left Bethsaida, his town, and joined the group of those who followed John the Baptist, a prophet who preached conversion with fiery words. This choice reveals that Andrew’s heart was inhabited by a desire for God. not a vague desire but a thirst so burning that it moved him and gave him the courage to begin a radically new experience. This is what also emerges clearly in the passage from Matthew. Jesus’ call, though it comes in its most radical form, meets with no resistance: “And they immediately left their nets and followed him” (4:20). When God passes through our lives, we must not keep him waiting. Nor do we have to measure our abilities. If He is the one calling, He will make us capable of responding to His plans. The calling of disciples is the first step in public ministry; without them Jesus cannot begin his mission. Jesus needs men who share his mission.
Moreover, Jesus’ call is not the result of human effort or special merit, but turns out to be totally free and unexpected. Throughout this passage, Jesus’ action is emphasized: he is the one who walks, sees, speaks, and calls. These disciples are called to share Jesus’ destiny, to follow him not only physically, but especially spiritually.
For good workers…
Each of us, through our Baptism, has received a call to go out and bring Christ into the lives of others. We can ask Andrew to help us:
– In following Jesus freely and unconditionally
– in learning how to effectively share our faith with those around us.
Fr Joby Kavungal RCJ