Welcome Divine Call Centre Mulki

3RD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (22 January 2012)

Jonah 3: 1-5, 10; 1 Cor. 7: 29-31; Mk. 1: 14-20.

THEME: JESUS IS CALLING YOU- ARE YOU READY?

Tony De Mello in his book - ‘Song of the Bird’ narrates a story which is familiar to many of us. A wealthy tourist complete with dark glasses and cameras, went strolling along a tropical beach and found a fisherman dozing alongside his canoe. “Why aren’t you out catching fish?” began the tourist. “I’ve caught enough for today.” answered the villager. “But why don’t you go out and catch more and make some money and then buy a net so that you can catch even more?” “What for ?””Then you can buy a motor for your canoe and go out further where there is still more fish to catch.” “But why catch more fish?” “So then you can earn more money and buy a whole fleet of fishing boats! “Then what ?” “Then you would become rich and could spend your time taking it easy.” “That’s what I’m already doing.” While the majority of people go after success, a few do find a value in being content with what they have. Some even go to the extent of sacrificing their very life for God.

In the gospel of the day, we hear of four people who were called by Jesus to follow him - Simon and his brother Andrew, who were simple fishermen. Jesus says to them, “Follow me and I will make you fish for people”( Mk. 1:17). A little further Jesus encounters the sons of Zebedee, James and John, busy with cleaning and mending their nets. Again he calls them and leaving their father and their boats behind they follow him (Mk. 1:19-20). When Jesus called these simple fisher folk, there were no questions asked, no clarification asked for, no terms and conditions decided upon; they just left their nets, their everything and followed him. Mark is not giving a historical account of the call of the first disciples, rather he presents the response of the first disciples as a model and pattern for others to follow. Detachment from worldly things in order to get attached to Christ is very much necessary and that detachment is costly as far as it demands a letting go of what is precious and dear to us. In answering God’s call there can be no compromise. In everyone’s life there is a moment of decision, a moment of reckoning, it’s now or never!”The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near…..” (Mk. 1:15).The kingdom is still coming, the kingdom is at hand, detachment from all that is sinful and worldly is necessary to respond to God’s call.

Our God is not just the God of Jews alone. He is the God of the entire universe. Prophet Jonah tries to escape from God but he cannot. The first reading tells us that God called Jonah a second time asking him to preach to the Ninevites but he revolted against God. He did not want to preach to the Ninevites because of his own prejudices. The Ninevites were non-Jews and enemies of the Jews. Jonah was afraid that if he preached to them they might actually listen to his preaching, repent and find favour with God. Strangely, this is not what Jonah wanted. So instead of preaching to the Ninevites Jonah ran away from God and deserted his mission of preaching to the Ninevites. Jonah was narrow-minded and petty and wanted God to be the same. He could not accept that God is bigger than our pettiness and is always open to all, and beyond all things past and present. Often we make God unto our own image rather than let ourselves become like him.

In the second reading, Paul is sharing his reflections of what should be the attitude of Christians towards the things of this world. Life is short and it is passing away (1Cor. 7:21). This message has meaning and relevance even today. Christians, though living and involved in the world today, are constantly to remember that their destiny is beyond, hence they are called to look beyond and therefore live in a spirit of detachment. While being fully involved in ‘worldly affairs’ they should be ready to let go and accept that everything is passing.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, though I am weak and sinful, I know that you have a great plan for me. Help me lord to recognize your call in ordinary events and life situations and respond to it without seeking security of the world. Amen.

Last Updated on Saturday, 21 January 2012 09:57