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When Jesus saw Simon and his
brother Andrew, he said to them, “Come after me and I will make you
fishers of men.” In the same way he called James and his brother John.
There was no application or interview process. Jesus saw them, invited
them, and they followed him.
What did Jesus see in these first disciples? Simon had great faith. He
was not afraid of failure or the opinions of others. Under the gentle
hand of Jesus he would become Peter, the rock, for the Lord and for the
other disciples.
Andrew rejoiced in the Lord. The gospels tell us that he often brought
others to Christ. He wanted them to meet his Lord. James and his
brother, along with Simon Peter, were to become part of Jesus' inner
circle. Together they witnessed the Lord's Transfiguration and were
called on for support by Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane.
John was the disciple called beloved. His strong mind was matched with
an even greater heart. He was the only disciple to remain at the foot of
the cross, standing next to Mary the mother of the Lord, throughout the
terrors of the crucifixion. From that day on John brought her into his
home.
Today we need to ask ourselves, "What does the Lord see in me?" Do I
have the wisdom of James to leave the security of work, family, and
friendship in order to follow Christ? Does my faith enable me to be a
rock for others? Does my personality draw others to Christ? Do I realize
that I am Christ's beloved?
All of us feel that we are too unworthy to come into the presence of the
Christ, for He is holy. Like the disciples we must realize how much
Christ longs for us - how important we are to him— how much he wants to
forgive. Only then can we truly repent and follow him.
Disciples are not just called to be followers; they are called to bring
Christ to others. We should begin right here in church. Do you
recognize Christ in that person next to you, no matter who they are? Are
you willing and happy to worship with people from a different racial or
language group? Some members of our congregation have told me that
people will not shake hands with them at the sign of peace! How can we
make disciples of all nations if we do not accept our brothers and
sisters in our own parish?
When you go off to work, to school, or out into your neighborhood, do
you bring Christ with you? Everyday we are given fresh opportunities to
bring him to others. Like Peter, our faith and courage will lead
people to Christ. Like Andrew, our friendliness and genuine concern for
others encourages them to seek Christ. Like James, our being supportive
for those in need brings Christ to those in trouble. Like John, our
willingness to endure hardships while remaining close to Christ and his
Blessed Mother gives witness to those who suffer.
Some of our congregation have moved to new homes in distant suburbs.
They should be welcomed. Often I hear them say, “But it’s not like St.
Kieran.” Let us begin our discipleship here in our own pews, in the many
organizations of our parish, and in our neighborhoods. Let us be a sign
of welcome to everyone. Let us fill our pews with people who have been
touched by our genuine love and service.
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