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In Matthew’s gospel John’s
imprisonment was the sign that his ministry was over and the time had
come for Jesus’ ministry to begin. Both preached the same message,
“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” John announced the
coming of Jesus, while as Jesus proclaimed it, God’s kingdom was
breaking into the world.
Jesus chose to gather a group of disciples around him, so that we might
see the importance of living the gospel in a community of believers.
We are not called to follow God alone. We are called to build up a
community of faith which is the expression of God's kingdom here on
earth. Walking along the seacoast, Jesus observed two brothers,
Simon Peter and Andrew. The Lord saw something in them that caused
him to issue the invitation, "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of
men." What do you think that Jesus saw in those two men? Was it that
because they were fisherman they might have the patience to fish for
people? Did you think Jesus recognized some deep religious hunger in the
brothers? Do you think that they were the first two people he met that
day? Could there have been others who refused the call? We may never
know. What made Peter and Andrew accept his call?
When Jesus looks at you what does he see? Is there something about the
way that you conduct your daily affairs that would attract his
attention? Is there a hunger in your heart for an experience of the
Lord? What strengths and talents do you possess to bring his good news
to our modern world? How do you respond to the Lord's invitation in your
life?
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