Third Sunday After the Epiphany January 26, 2020
When Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. He left Nazareth and made his home in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, so that what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled:
“Land of Zebulun, land of Naphtali,
on the road by the sea, across the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles—
on the road by the sea, across the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles—
the people who sat in darkness
have seen a great light,
have seen a great light,
and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death
light has dawned.”
light has dawned.”
From that time Jesus began to proclaim, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”
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. And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fish for people.” Immediately they left their nets and followed him. As he went from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John, in the boat with their father Zebedee, mending their nets, and he called them. Immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed him.
Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and curing every disease and every sickness among the people. Matthew 4:12- 23
I grew up around fishing people, folks who lived their lives on the water. No one will tell you that it's an easy life, yet many love it. Often the trade is passed from father to son, and these days to daughters as well, although there have been times when women weren't allowed out because they were " bad luck." Leaving a family tradition is even harder than the life itself. Getting the salt water, the fish scales and the constant rocking take forever.
Jesus moved away from his traditional home in Nazareth to Capernaum by the sea. His day in and day out life was changed forever by the sea of Galilee. He horizon had changed. And on his horizon were the wide expanse of the sea and fishermen. It was from where he was and what he knew that he called his first disciples. Jesus called them from their livelihood and tradition, from there familiar to new challenges and new dangers they were ill equipped to handle. We all feel like we are ill equipped to handle the dangers and challenges ahead. Yet, we are called, and if we follow, we will change our world and bring love and light where once there was none.
Today, I ask God to give me the strength to say "yes!" every morning. May we follow Jesus together, sharing our fears and trusting that God will provide strength, capacity and miracles.
I grew up around fishing people, folks who lived their lives on the water. No one will tell you that it's an easy life, yet many love it. Often the trade is passed from father to son, and these days to daughters as well, although there have been times when women weren't allowed out because they were " bad luck." Leaving a family tradition is even harder than the life itself. Getting the salt water, the fish scales and the constant rocking take forever.
Jesus moved away from his traditional home in Nazareth to Capernaum by the sea. His day in and day out life was changed forever by the sea of Galilee. He horizon had changed. And on his horizon were the wide expanse of the sea and fishermen. It was from where he was and what he knew that he called his first disciples. Jesus called them from their livelihood and tradition, from there familiar to new challenges and new dangers they were ill equipped to handle. We all feel like we are ill equipped to handle the dangers and challenges ahead. Yet, we are called, and if we follow, we will change our world and bring love and light where once there was none.
Today, I ask God to give me the strength to say "yes!" every morning. May we follow Jesus together, sharing our fears and trusting that God will provide strength, capacity and miracles.
Collect
Give us grace, O Lord, to answer readily the call of our Savior Jesus Christ and proclaim to all people the Good News of his salvation, that we and the whole world may perceive the glory of his marvelous works; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
Give us grace, O Lord, to answer readily the call of our Savior Jesus Christ and proclaim to all people the Good News of his salvation, that we and the whole world may perceive the glory of his marvelous works; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
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