Third Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year A)
A reflection on Matthew 4:18-22
©2023 by Gloria M. Chang
As he was walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon who is called Peter, and his brother Andrew, casting a net into the sea; they were fishermen. He said to them, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.” At once they left their nets and followed him. He walked along from there and saw two other brothers, James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John. They were in a boat, with their father Zebedee, mending their nets. He called them, and immediately they left their boat and their father and followed him.
Matthew 4:18-22
From the Mountain to the Sea
After an all-night prayer vigil atop a mountain, Jesus descended to the Sea of Galilee and called his disciples to himself (Luke 6:12-13). Prior to the call, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit chose the Twelve, bestowing upon them the grace to respond promptly and joyfully. Jesus’ prayer detached their hearts from worldly pursuits to seek the kingdom of God. “He went up the mountain and summoned those whom he wanted and they came to him” (Mark 3:13).
Faithful Fishers
Grace and prayer alone account for the alacrity with which the four fishermen dropped their nets to follow Jesus. Leaving behind their assets, livelihood, and families, Simon Peter, Andrew, James, and John sailed into the unknown aboard the ark of Christ. Faith gave them confidence in the “substance of things hoped for” and the “conviction of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1, various translations).
“Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.”
Matthew 4:19
Four men left behind their nets, boats, and families
To follow Christ into the heav’nly fisheries.
They “sailed into the unknown aboard the ark of Christ. ”
Divine fishers board the boat to unknown shore.
Christ’s net, reaching deep, catching more and more.
Where will I throw my nets in waters deep?
Where will I find the fishers of goodness?
Friendly letter carrier, or clerk at checkout,
In the laundromat lady who showed kindness?
Will I take time to help and smile?
Are my nets cast wherever I go?
In the ark of Christ I go the extra mile!
Fishing with a smile,
Let’s sail to heaven’s isle!