Jan 22 2006
Mk 1:14-20 After John had been arrested, Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the gospel of God: “This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.” As he passed by the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting their nets into the sea; they were fishermen. Jesus said to them,“Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Then they abandoned their nets and followed him. He walked along a little farther and saw James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John.They too were in a boat mending their nets. Then he called them. So they left their father Zebedee in the boat along with the hired men and followed him.
I always think of my first CCD class I ever taught of third graders at Blessed Sacrament School in Paterson, NJ. This reading was the basis of the first lesson that I taught with them and we talked about being disciples called by Jesus. We also did a puppet show reenacting the calling and the fishermen leaving their boats and nets and following Jesus. I still pray for those children. It was such a blessing to be able to be with them and share growing in the faith together. Their prayers and genuine love of the faith, concern for the poor and gentle honesty were so touching and beautiful. I think of them also often with the Lord's Prayer and can still picture them in church with their little hands stretched out to God as they prayed in the front rows as a group in the church on sunday after the CCD class.
What does it mean to truly repent? Have I left my nets by the shore totally to follow Jesus? Is there a part of my following that is not complete? A part of my living that is still self centered rather than Christ centered?
I do feel there is a part of me that has not totally given over all to Jesus. There are some selfish, false needs still acting in my life. I turn these over in prayer this morning and pray for a conversion of heart that my life may be totally Gospel led and my devotion and life totally Christ centered. I will work on shedding all that is false, selfish, worldly in order to truly leave my nets behind and follow with empty hands and an open willing heart.
I always think of my first CCD class I ever taught of third graders at Blessed Sacrament School in Paterson, NJ. This reading was the basis of the first lesson that I taught with them and we talked about being disciples called by Jesus. We also did a puppet show reenacting the calling and the fishermen leaving their boats and nets and following Jesus. I still pray for those children. It was such a blessing to be able to be with them and share growing in the faith together. Their prayers and genuine love of the faith, concern for the poor and gentle honesty were so touching and beautiful. I think of them also often with the Lord's Prayer and can still picture them in church with their little hands stretched out to God as they prayed in the front rows as a group in the church on sunday after the CCD class.
What does it mean to truly repent? Have I left my nets by the shore totally to follow Jesus? Is there a part of my following that is not complete? A part of my living that is still self centered rather than Christ centered?
I do feel there is a part of me that has not totally given over all to Jesus. There are some selfish, false needs still acting in my life. I turn these over in prayer this morning and pray for a conversion of heart that my life may be totally Gospel led and my devotion and life totally Christ centered. I will work on shedding all that is false, selfish, worldly in order to truly leave my nets behind and follow with empty hands and an open willing heart.
posted by Joan Morris at 5:41 AM
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