Posted by The WORD in other words (2006) by Fr Joseph Miras SVD – Toronto Canada
3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time – A
Image source : Wikimedia Commons
Matthew gives the names of Jesus’ first recruits : Simon (Peter), his brother Andrew, and the brother James and John. The story of Jesus’ recruitment is spectacular. First, Jesus’ recruitment speech was simple and short : “Come after me, and I will make you fishers …” Second, the responses of the four were fast and quick.
Rousing speeches and good advertisement arouse people’s attention. But Jesus spoke only one sentence. Jesus’ invitation must have been spectacular and impactful because the four were immediately drawn to him. They did not ask questions, clarify expectations, express doubts, or need time to process the invitation. Matthew mentions no gestation period between the invitation and the quick decision to follow. Later in the gospels, we see the disciples not understanding what they were getting into. Doubt and incomprehension abounded. The disciples did not comprehend Jesus’ statement when he told them that “the Son of Man must suffer then rise on the third day” (Matthew 16,21). After Jesus’ resurrection, apostles on the way to Emmaus thought Jesus would have “brought God’s kingdom” (Luke 24,21). Peter did not know he was to preach to the Gentiles (Acts 10,9-16) The Church in Jerusalem met and discussed circumcision of new converts (Acts 15). Such examples indicate that Jesus did not clarify in detail the disciples work. What is important is that these folks were willing to give their all.
The quickness and ease by which Jesus recruited his followers was incredible. These men left their profession and their families. Simon and Andrew left their nets, James and John left their boat and father. All followed him immediately. Work and family ties seem the most important attachments for humans. One does not easily give up work especially if the Job supports and feeds many. Cutting ties from family members is difficult even if temporary. Yet they did quickly in response to Jesus’ invitation.
The account of Jesus’ recruitment is a story of the gradual incomprehensible ways God deals with his own beloved. First, after growing up in Nazareth and working there, Jesus moved to the bigger and more affluent Galilee, and ultimately to Jerusalem. He did not go directly to Jerusalem but instead started from the peripheries and outskirts of Palestine. Second, the recruits were fisherfolk by profession. Why did not Jesus recruit for more learned profession? Maybe revolutions, be it political or religious, start from peripheries and those living there, and with simple people. Perhaps, those least knowledgeable, fortunate, or known are more attuned to the good that those who are rich, powerful and in the know. The place or profession may not matter. What is important is that God’s invitation is offered to everyone. Whatever status we may have in life, God will not hesitate to invite us.
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