Wednesday, November 29, 2017

“Come After Me” by Beth DeCristofaro


But not everyone has heeded the good news; for Isaiah says, Lord, who has believed what was heard from us? Thus faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the word of Christ. But I ask, did they not hear? Certainly, they did; for “Their voice has gone forth to all the earth and their words to the ends of the world.”  (Romans 10:16-18)

(Jesus) said to them, "Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men." At once they left their nets and followed him. (Matthew 4:19-20)

Piety
Brother of Simon Peter, you heard John the Baptist say: "Behold the Lamb of God," and you chose to follow Jesus. Leaving your nets, you became a successful fisher of souls. Lover of the Crucified Christ, you too were crucified like him. Teach us to live and suffer for Him and to win many souls for Christ. Amen.
  (54 Days of Prayers with Saint Andrew, By Lev Bar Freyadan, p. 22)[i]

Study
Over the centuries many charismatic leaders have risen, some of them - Jim Jones, Pol Pot - proved lethal to those who fell under their spell.  Others were positive and life-giving such as Gandhi, Martin Luther King and of course Jesus, who saw their lives shortened as they threatened powerful enemies.  Andrew and Peter responded immediately to the deeply spiritual nature – the good news - Jesus radiated. Matthew’s account says they did not even ask any questions or go pick up lunch for the way.  They followed.

How does Jesus call us today?  His good news echoes in a myriad of tones throughout the centuries. 

Come, follow me is heard in the falling leaves still glowing with golden splashes and the soft air of Autumn.  Glory! O Creator for such a cosmos! 
Come, follow me Jesus asks when we take on the day’s duties with one’s family and employers.  Our Father, I am grateful for their safety and my many life gifts.  

Come, follow me He sighs as a woman comes to terms with a devastating illness.  Merciful Lamb of God, Heal and protect me. 

Come, follow me Jesus proposes to one prone to violence, engorged with power or diverted by idols.  Good and Holy Shepherd, forgive my sin and guide me from the dark valley.

Jesus offers.  He always offers. 

Action
This Gospel and the reading from Paul places the duty on us to be “the voice” to those who cannot or chose not to hear.  How can we help - be Good News - so that the Good News will reveal itself into the hearts which need most to hear?  Jesus says to follow him in love. Good News works through our humble submission.  Humility allows us to hear the Good News ourselves.  We too must leave our nets and follow in order to be Good News.  What “news” are you hearing?  What is the “news” which causes you not to hear the Good News of Love?  Ask His help to hear!  Then, today, put down that net and follow.

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