Father Michael's Weekly Reflection

"Repent for the kingdom of God is at hand." (Mt. 4:17)

This is the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time. Christ walks along the shore and calls Peter, Andrew, James and John. "He looked at him and loved him." (Mk. 10:21) Jesus knows each of us better than we know ourselves. He offers each person the love he most longs for but offers a road different from what we would choose for ourselves.

Pope Benedict said that Jesus takes nothing away but rather offers us the meaning and fulfillment we all desire. In our Parish Plan we strive to be living lights. Each of us has received this gaze of Jesus but possibly are calculating the cost. We want what the world offers and the promises of the Gospel at the same time. This is not possible. We cannot serve two masters. 

Questions for Reflection:

• Do I calculate in responding to Jesus' call?
• What prevents me from following him?
• Have I spent time and energy drinking from the murky waters the world offers me?
• Do I believe that Jesus can truly fill the deepest longings of my heart?