Called by name

The Gospel accounts of the life of Christ continue to illuminate the path of discipleship as the liturgical season moves from Christmas into Ordinary Time. Recall during the Sunday after Epiphany, we celebrated the Baptism of the Lord. The Gospels parallel here, as the account of Jesus’ baptism is soon followed by the call of the first disciples. A simple message is heard in the Mass readings forthcoming during the 2nd and 3rd Sundays in Ordinary Time, that “we are called by name.” The readings share the call, the response and the transformation as we hear of this unexpected encounter between Jesus and his first disciples.

The Pointer

John the Baptist recognizes Jesus for who he is, “the Lamb of God” (Jn 1: 36). This was reemphasized during Jesus’ baptism by John in the Jordan River. Because of his proclamation of and pointing to, John’s disciples (one being Andrew) begin to follow Jesus. This passage causes us to pause and reflect, “When have I been pointed to Jesus? Who was the pointer? Who have I pointed to Jesus?”

The Relationship

Simple dialogue begins a new relationship with a question from Jesus, “What do you seek?” They answer, “Rabbi (teacher), where are you staying?” Jesus invites them to “come and see.” The two disciples spent the day with Jesus in dialogue. An introduction leads to the unexpected meeting, whereby a relationship takes root in conversation, creating trust and ultimately leading to conversion. John opened the door, the disciples entered, were welcomed by Jesus, who in turned sought to discover their need. Initially they desired to share time with him. Ultimately, they become the first disciples, followers of Jesus, as their lives were forever changed for the glory of God.

The Introducer

At some point during the initial conversation Andrew stepped away to find his brother, Simon. Once found, Andrew proclaimed to him, “We have found the Messiah.” Then Andrew introduced Simon to Jesus. Within moments Jesus gives Simon a new name: “Cephas,” Peter, a word for rock in Aramaic and Greek. Bishop Fulton Sheen, in his book, “Life of Christ,” writes, “Andrew had been a friend of John the Baptist. When he met our Lord, to whom John the Baptist had pointed, he immediately went and told Peter. He (Andrew) was an introducer because he brought his brother Peter to our Lord; he introduced the lad with the barley loaves and fishes to our Lord and he, with Philip introduced the Greeks to our Lord.” So we reflect, “Who has introduced me to Jesus? What was this experience? Who have I introduced to Jesus?”

The Call

Unlike the passage from the Gospel of St. John, St. Mark’s account of the call of the first disciples is different. Here we see no introducer but Jesus initiating the call. Jesus is in Galilee preaching the Gospel of fulfillment, repentance and belief. As he passed along the sea of Galilee, he sees Andrew and Simon casting a net into the sea. Jesus invites, “Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” He did the same with James and John who were in their boats mending their nets. All four men dropped their nets, reoriented their lives and followed Jesus immediately.

Who could motivate four professional fishermen to drop their nets, leave their families and be a disciple? Jesus can. What did he say to them? Rather, what did he not say? Who was he to them? They did not even know him. They had no idea what was about to take place during the next three years and beyond. They just simply, faithfully and with trusting hearts followed the invitation of Jesus to “Come.” Have I heard Jesus calling me to “Come?”

Jesus is Calling Me

Jesus is calling us to follow him every day in every way. Unlike the first disciples we, the living faithful, have somewhat of an advantage. We have the gift of faith by the grace of God. We know Jesus Christ by the gift of revelation through sacred Scripture and sacred tradition serving as our “initial pointer.” We have a been transformed by an encounter with Jesus in baptism that radically changed 

our life as we were incorporated into the mystical body of Christ. We believe Jesus is the Lamb of God, the redeemer, the one who takes away the sins of the world by his love and mercy. We encounter Jesus every day; most profoundly in Eucharist, as his body, blood, soul and divinity become part of our body, blood and soul. Jesus is actively calling us to follow him! All the time!

Like the disciples, we have the choice to respond to Jesus’ call. He gives us all that we need to follow him. It is up to us to “drop our nets and follow him.” What are the nets I carry? Where am I casting nets and what am I hoping to gain by doing so? Am I catching people for Jesus?

Year of St Joseph

St Joseph is a model disciple of Jesus Christ. From the moment of the angel’s message to the days of fostering the son of God, St. Joseph committed his life to Jesus by his obedience and love of God. His earthly care of Jesus has led to the title of Patron of the Universal Church. May we, like St. Joseph, be a model disciple, as we answer our personal call and point others to follow Jesus. JMJ

Dow is the director of the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis for the Diocese of Baton Rouge.