Have children? Ever asked them to do anything and they “roll” their eyes at you? Quick story. Sarah is relentless in making sure our children “Keep Holy the Sabbath”. It doesn’t matter your age or your marital status. I am quite convinced that if one of her sons were a priest, she would call him on Sunday afternoon to make sure he got to Mass. Saturday we had some “weather” here in St. Louis, so the idea of getting up for Mass and driving 20 minutes wasn’t the most appealing proposition. We have a child, who will go nameless to protect his/her “innocence” who wasn’t at 11:30 Mass yesterday, so I asked my wife what was up with that. She had talked to the child and they stated they went to Church about 2 blocks from the house instead of heading to Mary Mags. As I pulled into the driveway coming home, I found it strange that the snow wasn’t cleared off of the vehicle. I went inside and asked what Mass they went to and was told Noon. It was 1PM. I then asked “Did you walk?” Reply – “In this weather? No, I drove.” I then asked what car because your car hasn’t been cleaned off. Reply – blank stare. Worse part was, I was the one who had to tell Sarah and I was the one who got the stone cold response…”YOU NEED TO HAVE A TALK WITH TONY!!!” Oops, no names…”YOU NEED TO HAVE A TALK WITH YOUR CHILD!!!” Had the talk and the child went to a 5PM Mass down the street and all was well with the world.
What does that have to do with the Gospel?
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.
He walked along a little farther
and saw James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John.
They too were in a boat mending their nets.
Then he called them.
So they left their father Zebedee in the boat
along with the hired men and followed him.
Jesus merely said come with me boys and they dropped everything and went…no questions asked. He must be a God!! I simply ask for the trash to get taken to the street; the lawn to get cut; the gutters to get cleaned out and nothing. He says, drop your nets and leave your families behind and that’s exactly what they do.
So my question to all of you – and to me – have you been called to do something for our Lord? Did you drop everything to do it?
Do something great for our Lord today – come the first time your called; do it the first time your asked; don’t roll your eyes (for heavens sake, don’t roll your eyes).
God’s will, not mine, be done.
Be not afraid; just have faith.
Jesus, I trust in You.
He must increase; I must decrease.
Lord, if you wish, you can make me clean.
But you man of God chose righteousness, devotion, faith, love, patience and gentleness. Compete well for the faith.
St. Mary Magdalen Men of God 