January 13, 2020

Monday of the First Week in Ordinary Time

Readings for Today

Saint Hilary of Poitiers, Bishop and Doctor—Optional Memorial

As he passed by the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting their nets into the sea; they were fishermen. Jesus said to them, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Then they left their nets and followed him. Mark 1:16-18

Christmas season is now completed and we enter into the First Week of Ordinary Time. It’s time to return to the “ordinary” of life. But is the Christian life ordinary? Is there anything truly “ordinary” about following Jesus?

Today’s Gospel reveals the extraordinary and radical call from Jesus to follow Him. Simon and Andrew are the two who respond to the call in this passage, but their response is also an invitation to all of us to step out of the ordinary and into the extraordinary.

This passage especially reveals two things: 1) the immediate response of these Apostles, and 2) their complete response. They clearly did not hold back or hesitate in responding to the invitation from Jesus to follow Him.

What about you? Do you hear Jesus calling you? Do you hear Him speak to you, calling you to come after Him? Hopefully, as our Lord speaks to each one of us, we will respond immediately and in a complete way. Hopefully we will not hesitate to embrace the glorious calling we each have been given.

Reflect, today, upon the fact that you, too, have been called to an extraordinary life of grace which requires total abandonment and commitment. You have been called to respond immediately and freely to Jesus’ invitation. As you begin this liturgical season of Ordinary Time, jump into the extraordinary life of grace and embrace it with your whole heart.

Lord, I love You and thank You for the extraordinary life of grace You have called me to live. Help me to respond to Your invitation with complete submission of my mind and will. Jesus, I trust in You.

More Gospel Reflections

Divine Mercy Reflections

Saints/Feasts for Today