Distribution of Holy Communion
REFLECTION
On the Sea of Galilee, Simon and Andrew were fishing for fish when Jesus walked past, saying, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men,” changing their lives forever.
DEPENDING ON GOD
“Living with their heads in the clouds” is no compliment to anyone living in this world of ours. How realistic is Paul’s advice, to live as though the ordinary events and concerns of life did not matter? As if business, planning, bereavements, possessions, and the rest were of no fundamental importance? Well, first of all he does not mean that people should withdraw from all these things or neglect the practical life. What he does mean is that we should get our priorities right, and get a proper balanced view of things, so that what is of lasting importance can play its part too — namely, the question of our eternal destiny, and how we stand in the sight of God.
Under the influence of a brush with death — a near escape, or a recent bereavement — we come to realize how trivial are the usual concerns that engross us, when compared to the abiding mystery of life and death. Does it have a purpose? Is our life going anywhere, or is it simply an absurd farce, poised between comedy and tragedy? There are three common reactions to this mystery of life and death:
First: You cannot take it with you — so spend it while you can. When you are dead, you are dead and that’s it! So, make the most of these short years, enjoy them to the utmost, and then submit to the universal annihilation that awaits us all. MORE
Gospel: Mark 1:14-20
“Repent and believe in the good news”
After John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.” As Jesus passed along the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the sea-for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, “Follow me and I will make you fish for people.” And immediately they left their nets and followed him.
As he went a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John, who were in their boat mending the nets. Immediately he called them; and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men, and followed him.