As Jesus walked by the lake of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the lake,
for they were fishermen. He said to them, “Come, follow me; and I will make you fish for people.” At once they left their nets and followed him.
He went on from there and saw two other brothers, James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John, in a boat with their father Zebedee,
mending their nets. Jesus called them. At once, they left the boat, and their father, and followed him. Jesus went around all Galilee,
teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and curing all kinds of sickness and disease among the people.

LECTIO DIVINA:

Read: Isaiah promises a great light to shine over the Israe­lites who were experiencing the darkness of oppression.
They will rejoice because the Lord will free them from slavery. Saint Paul exhorts the Corinthians to agree among themselves
to avoid divisions. They have to be united in their faith in Jesus Christ. The evangelist Matthew tells the Jews that the word
of the prophet Isaiah is fulfilled in the coming of Jesus. Jesus is the light who shows the way to the kingdom of heaven.

Reflect: The kingdom preached by Jesus is not a political kingdom ruled by power and might. This is evident when he calls fishermen
as his first disciples, a core group to preach the kingdom. Jesus did not choose learned men nor well-trained soldiers, but simple
fishermen who are strong and persevering in facing storms. They are to instruct the people on the good news of salvation Jesus offers.
It is indeed good news because simple people can become active participants in the realization of this kingdom. This kingdom offers
free hospitalization to sick people. Citizens of this kingdom need not be well-trained in war but full of compassion and love for the sick,
the despised and neglected in society, those who have no one to turn to for help. In following Jesus’ teaching and example,
we become a light in this world darkened by so much materia­lism and secularism.

Pray: Lord, grant me a compassionate and loving heart as I proclaim and witness to the good news of salvation.

Act: Reach out to needy people in your neighborhood through the spiritual and corporal works of mercy.

© Copyright Bible Diary 2020