January 22nd 2023 Gospel Reflection

THIRD SUNDAY OF THE YEAR

He said to them, ‘Follow me’

The first disciples were called without promises, programmes or guarantees. Peter and Andrew were casting their nets in the lake when they were called by Jesus. James and John were mending their nets. In these two words the disciple’s map is laid out. Disciples of Jesus are casters and menders. We cast the nets whenever we show the face of Christ to the world. We mend the nets whenever we reach out to bind up hearts that are broken or bodies that are torn. It is not enough to know God. We must make Him known. My life as a Christian should make nonbelievers question their disbelief in God. Tennis legend Arthur Ashe used as his motto for sport and for life: ‘Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can’. As for the sportsman so for the disciple. We do what we can in His name to cast and to mend. The rest is in His hands