Bishop Edward J. Weisenburger | Diocese of Tucson website

In the Gospel of Mark, we hear the story of Jesus calling Simon, Andrew, James, and John, humble fishermen, to follow Him. It is a powerful reminder that the call of God and the invitation of Christ are not reserved for a select few but extend to all of us. As Deacon Greg Kandra reflects on this passage, he emphasizes the universal nature of this call and the transformative impact it can have on our lives.

Deacon Kandra reminds us that the call to follow Christ is a summons to sacrifice, surrender, bear witness, pray, and love God and our neighbor. It is not an easy path, but there is hope in the fact that we are not alone. When Jesus called the fishermen, they were not left to navigate this journey on their own. They went in pairs, Simon and Andrew, James and John. This serves as a reminder that being a follower of Christ is not a solitary act – it involves being in community with others.

The early Christians understood the importance of community in their faith. They celebrated Christ's life, death, and resurrection together, traveling, preaching, and praying as a collective. They found strength, support, and endurance in one another, even in the face of persecution and martyrdom. Deacon Kandra emphasizes that we continue this tradition today, gathering as believers to share our love for God, for one another, and our passion for the gospel message. In community, we find sustenance and renewal, joy and consolation.

As we encounter this story, we are reminded that the call to follow Christ is ongoing. It challenges us to leave behind our old ways and comfortable routines, not just at the start of a new year but every day. Our faith calls us to dare to do something new, to walk away from the familiar and journey into the unknown, following Christ Jesus. It requires sacrifice, surrender, trust, and a willingness to change.

Deacon Kandra concludes by emphasizing that the call to be "fishers of men" is a call that extends to all of us. It is a call that invites us to listen and respond, to hear the insistent invitation of God and to follow where He is leading. As we embark on this journey of faith, we can take comfort in the fact that we are not alone. We have the support of our fellow believers, the strength of community, and the presence of Christ uplifting us along the way.

In the end, the call to follow Christ is a call that affects all of us, regardless of who we are or what we do. It is a call to embrace sacrifice, surrender, and love. It is a call to be part of a community that supports and sustains us. So, let us listen attentively to the call, and may we have the courage to respond, knowing that we do not walk this path alone.