Saturday.blog
Catholic Calendar for Saturday, January 15, 2005
Saturday of the First Week in Ordinary Time
Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Hebrews 4:12-16
Psalm 19:8-10,15
Mark 2:13-17
A reflection on today's sacred scripture:
Has it ever occurred to you that Jesus must have been excited about choosing his disciples? The mission had begun, and He was using what seemed like chance encounters to pick here and there. He already had four fishermen. Now he was about to choose a tax collector. What is so amazing is that Matthew left his post immediately to follow Jesus. We wonder what that conversation must have been that night as the friends of Matthew learned with astonishment of his new calling. We can be sure some tried to dissuade him.
We must ponder very seriously the readings about the early call of the disciples. What was the secret of Jesus' appeal? We know the personality of Jesus must have been very attractive. And His words must have had a magnetism as well, words about 'freedom from sin' and 'a time for justice' and 'hope for the downtrodden'. Let us relive in our imaginations the sense of joy and celebration which accompanied His words.
Jesus asks us to convey this fire and enthusiasm to our young people. They must be stirred to love for the Christ if ever they are to follow him. We must pray with all our hearts that the call of Jesus Christ will be heard and acted upon in these critical times of priest shortage. He is walking our streets and searching for the hearts of those who will listen.
- Msgr. Paul E. Whitmore
(smartins at twcny dot rr dot com)
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