Calling Disciples

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today, the Feast of St. Andrew, challenge us to be disciples who proclaim the Life in Christ in our love and action.

Fishers Transformed

The reading from the Letter of Paul to the Romans exhorts us to confess Jesus as Lord.

* [10:9–11] To confess Jesus as Lord was frequently quite hazardous in the first century (cf. Mt 10:18; 1 Thes 2:2; 1 Pt 2:18–21; 3:14). For a Jew it could mean disruption of normal familial and other social relationships, including great economic sacrifice. In the face of penalties imposed by the secular world, Christians are assured that no one who believes in Jesus will be put to shame (Rom 10:11).

* [10:14–21] The gospel has been sufficiently proclaimed to Israel, and Israel has adequately understood God’s plan for the messianic age, which would see the gospel brought to the uttermost parts of the earth. As often in the past, Israel has not accepted the prophetic message; cf. Acts 7:51–53.

* [10:15] How beautiful are the feet of those who bring [the] good news: in Semitic fashion, the parts of the body that bring the messenger with welcome news are praised; cf. Lk 11:27. (Romans, CHAPTER 10 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 19 praises God’s Glory in Creation and the Law.

* [Psalm 19] The heavenly elements of the world, now beautifully arranged, bespeak the power and wisdom of their creator (Ps 19:2–7). The creator’s wisdom is available to human beings in the law (Ps 19:8–11), toward which the psalmist prays to be open (Ps 19:12–14). The themes of light and speech unify the poem. (Psalms, PSALM 19 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus calls the First Disciples.

* [4:18–22] The call of the first disciples promises them a share in Jesus’ work and entails abandonment of family and former way of life. Three of the four, Simon, James, and John, are distinguished among the disciples by a closer relation with Jesus (Mt 17:1; 26:37). 

* [4:20] Here and in Mt 4:22, as in Mark (Mk 1:16–20) and unlike the Lucan account (Lk 5:1–11), the disciples’ response is motivated only by Jesus’ invitation, an element that emphasizes his mysterious power. (Matthew, CHAPTER 4 | USCCB, n.d.)

Larry Hopp shares that our Lord has indeed offered us His promise of a Spirit that produces a life that points to Jesus.  We simply need to grasp that path with all our heart, mind and soul.  We are clearly told why this is so important and we are provided with  the amazing truth that we simply must share.   Be amazed with all that God can do through you using your unwavering faith in Jesus.

Dear Heavenly Father, a Life focused upon your glorious Spirit can be so incredibly powerful.  Open my heart to be ever aware of  that power and to have the courage to effectively use it to make a difference - to point others to you - to help them grasp the eternal peace and joy that can only be found through you.  Thank you  Father for your never ending love and guidance.  In the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ. Amen (Hopp, 2024)

Don Schwager quotes “Jesus chooses them for what they can become,” by an anonymous early author from the Greek church.

"'Before he says or does anything, he calls the apostles so nothing may be concealed from them as to Christ's words or works and they may later say in confidence: 'For we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard' (Acts 4:20). He sees them not bodily but spiritually, regarding not their appearance but their hearts. And he chooses them not as apostles but because they could become apostles. Just as an artist who sees precious, and not rough-hewn, stones chooses them - not because of what they are but because of what they can become. Like the sensitive artist who does not spurn the unshaped good - so too the Lord, upon seeing them, does not choose their works but their hearts." (excerpt from INCOMPLETE WORK ON MATTHEW, HOMILY 7, the Greek fathers). (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Matthew 4:18-22 comments that for Andrew, the implications of that first call kept unfolding day after day. After Pentecost, it took him to Ukraine, Russia, and Byzantium to preach the good news—until he was eventually crucified in Achaea, Greece. He probably never suspected the honor he would one day receive as an apostle and saint.

Today, think about a time when you “left your nets” and said yes to the Lord. How has that call changed over time? How is it the same? On this feast of St. Andrew, thank God for the grace you received to say yes. Then ask for the grace to keep answering his call, wherever it may lead you.

“Lord, I want to follow you!” (Meditation on Matthew 4:18-22, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments on the Romans passage that urges us to confess with our mouth and trust in God for our justification through faith that brings peace. We work out our faith in good works and await salvation as Paul expresses at the end of time. Friar Jude reminds us that our talents are not for self aggrandizement but God transforms them to a higher level to serve the Kingdom.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, recalls that when preaching on this parable of the “rich fool” in 1951, Howard Thurman (1899–1981) posed these questions to his listeners:

Therefore, Jesus raises with awful insistence: What would I give in exchange for my life? Do I give my money, my things? Am I so attached to them that to detach myself from them is equivalent to destroying myself? Or is it possible for me to put at the disposal of [others] the fruits of my labor, bearing in mind that everything that I have, I have it because of a lot of other people’s work, a lot of other people’s labor, a lot of other people’s sacrifice, a lot of other people’s self-denial?…

Are you willing to put the resources of your mind at the disposal of trying to work out the most creative way by which you can live your life, placing your possessions at the disposal of that to which you are committed? And the degree to which you are able to do that, you will find peace of mind and freedom of soul.  

What about it? Are you willing to try it? See what happens. (Rohr, n.d.)

We reflect today, the Feast of St Andrew, on how we have responded to our Baptismal anointing as priest, prophet, and leader to inspire our acceptance of the transformation of our skills to be workers in the vineyard of the Lord.

References

Hopp, L. (2024, November 30). Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Retrieved November 30, 2024, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/113024.html 

Matthew, CHAPTER 4 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved November 30, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/4?18 

Meditation on Matthew 4:18-22. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved November 30, 2024, from https://wau.org/meditations/2024/11/30/1139980/ 

Psalms, PSALM 19 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved November 30, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/19?8 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Parables: Stories from Jesus: Weekly Summary. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved November 30, 2024, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/parables-stories-from-jesus-weekly-summary/ 

Romans, CHAPTER 10 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved November 30, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/romans/10?9 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved November 30, 2024, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2024&date=nov30a 

Anticipating Judgement

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today invite us to ponder the images of the Final Judgement prior to the vision of the New Heaven and the New Earth to increase our awareness of the signs on our journey of truth, love, and compassion.

Our Journey to Life

The reading from the Book of Revelation presents a vision of the “Thousand Years” before the Dead are judged and the New Heaven and the New Earth are realized.

* [20:1–6] Like the other numerical values in this book, the thousand years are not to be taken literally; they symbolize the long period of time between the chaining up of Satan (a symbol for Christ’s resurrection-victory over death and the forces of evil) and the end of the world. During this time God’s people share in the glorious reign of God that is present to them by virtue of their baptismal victory over death and sin; cf. Rom 6:1–8; Jn 5:24–25; 16:33; 1 Jn 3:14; Eph 2:1.

* [20:11–15] A description of the final judgment. After the intermediate reign of Christ, all the dead are raised and judged, thus inaugurating the new age.

(Revelation, CHAPTER 20 | USCCB, n.d.)

* [21:1–22:5] A description of God’s eternal kingdom in heaven under the symbols of a new heaven and a new earth; cf. Is 65:17–25; 66:22; Mt 19:28.

 

* [21:1] Sea,no more: because as home of the dragon it was doomed to disappear; cf. Jb 7:12.

* [21:2] New Jerusalem,bride: symbol of the church (Gal 4:26); see note on Rev 19:7 (Revelation, CHAPTER 21 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 84 praises the Joy of Worship in the Temple.

* [Psalm 84] Israelites celebrated three pilgrimage feasts in Jerusalem annually. The Psalm expresses the sentiments of the pilgrims eager to enjoy the divine presence. (Psalms, PSALM 84|USCCB, n.d.)

The Gospel of Luke presents the Lesson of the Fig Tree.

x. [21:29–33] Mt 24:32–35; Mk 13:28–31.

y. [21:32] 9:27; Mt 16:28.

z. [21:33] 16:17. (Luke, CHAPTER 21| USCCB, n.d.)

Mirielle Mason brought these quotes together to say that when faced with biblical apocalypse or “unprecedented times” Christ is the hope we can cling to. This is especially pertinent as we approach Advent, where we will prepare for the birth of Jesus Christ and all the hope that He represents for the world.

This state of mind is easier on paper than it is in practice. I can tell myself to follow Christ’s example and to believe in the hope He represents. It is simple to say that I will lay my anxiety at His feet, but oh how difficult it is in practice. Every day I fight to pray and place my trust in God and His word. I know there are those who find this easy, and to them I say I am happy for their good fortune. To me, this is something I must work for every day. In closing, I would like to pray for all those who feel like Frodo in the above quote. That we may remain steadfast in the fight to lay our troubles at the feet of our Lord, and do our best each and every day to embody the hope Christ represents and let it be shown in our world. (Mason, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes “My words will not pass away,” by an anonymous early author from the early Greek fathers.

"'This generation' refers both to those who suffer temptation and to those who cause it. It refers to sinners among men and to the demons who are at work in them. For neither group will cease being in the world until its consummation. For Christ said, 'Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels' (Matthew 25:41). Moreover, it is necessary that the source of temptation be preserved as long as there is faith which needs testing. It is also possible, however, that 'this generation' refers to those mortal Christians who would not pass over into eternal life and be made immortal and impassible 'until' all the events about which Christ was speaking had taken place.

"'Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away' because heaven and earth were created to serve you, but my words were uttered to govern you. Both heaven and earth are subject to vanity, as the apostle said, 'Creation is subject to vanity' (Romans 8:20). Truth, however, is by nature unable to deceive and can never die." (excerpt from INCOMPLETE WORK ON MATTHEW, HOMILY 49, the Greek fathers). (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Revelation 20:1-4, 11–21:2 comments on why Jesus died, and why he rose. It was so the ancient powers of sin and death could be destroyed and their hold over us could be dissolved forever.

Spend time in prayer today marveling that the One who conquered death itself is with you. Marvel that he has written your name in his book of life!

“Jesus, I rejoice that by your cross and resurrection, you have raised me to new, eternal life!” (Meditation on Revelation 20:1-4, 11–21:2, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments on the visions of Revelation as Satan is definitely defeated after the symbolic “1000 years” after Jesus Resurrection. The understanding of “rapture” by some is contrasted with Friar Jude’s explanation. Friar Jude reminds us to be aware of the signs of our invitation to convert prior to our “End Time”.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, considers how Jesus’ parables reveal the realm of God. Fr. Richard can think of many contemporary examples of how people have risked security to share lives and seek God’s realm: prayer groups, peace and justice ministries, social agencies and shelters, communities of contemplation and action. Living in this sacred dimension may be spiritual, but it’s also very real, and it’s very attractive when we discover it. 

In the seventh parable, (Chapter 13 of Matthew’s Gospel) Jesus reiterates the idea that the realm of God has little to do with the ego-based expectations of our culture or religion (13:47–50). No church, community, or individual is perfect. We humans are always turning away from the realm of God and then undergoing a new conversion to return. To turn toward the kingdom, we must turn away from our smaller selves. To say, “Thy kingdom come,” we must say in the next breath, “My kingdom go.” [3] (Rohr, n.d.)

We reflect on the struggles that accompany our journey and take hope in the vision of the “New Heaven and the New Earth” that Christ is inviting us to celebrate.

References

Luke, CHAPTER 21| USCCB. (n.d.). USCCB Daily Bible Readings. https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/21?29 

Mason, M. (n.d.). Daily Reflection Of Creighton University's Online Ministries. Creighton University's Online Ministries. https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/112924.html 

Meditation on Revelation 20:1-4, 11–21:2. (n.d.). Word Among Us. https://wau.org/meditations/2024/11/29/1139142/ 

Psalms, PSALM 84|USCCB. (n.d.). USCCB Daily Bible Readings. https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/84?3 

Revelation, CHAPTER 20 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved November 29, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/revelation/20 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Parables of the Kingdom of God. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved November 29, 2024, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/parables-of-the-kingdom-of-god/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). My Words Will Not Pass Away. Daily Scripture net. https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2024&date=nov29