Jesus calls disciples - and us.

Saturday, January 25, 2014

Scripture

Now when Jesus heard that John [the baptizer] had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. . . . As he walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea—for they were fishermen. (Matthew 4:12, 18)

Reflection

If John, the one who went ahead of Jesus to prepare his way, is in prison, what might be in store for Jesus? And for those who follow him? Yet, the call of Jesus is so compelling that millions have listened to his voice and followed him.

Jesus is in Galilee. Our gospel writer Matthew tells us it is to fulfill what the prophet Isaiah had spoken (see Wednesday, January 22). In Isaiah’s time, the “darkness” was the threat of the Assyrians. For John, it was Herod. For Jesus, the religious leaders and Pilate. For us?

The Good News is: “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness—on them light has shined” (Isaiah 9:2).

Prayer

Lord Jesus, Shine your light into our darkness, the light no darkness can overcome. Amen.