Being called by Jesus to follow him and join him in his ministry is an amazing experience. It is exciting, humbling, awe inspiring and terrifying all at once. There is a clear sense of inadequacy, and a powerful enthusiasm for serving the Lord. Three young men from my church are experiencing those emotions (and probably more!) today, as two were placed as vicars (a pastoral intern) and one was called to be a pastor. What an awesome day! God is richly blessing them, much as he richly blessed Simon (aka Peter) and Levi (aka Matthew) in our reading today.
When Jesus called Simon, Simon was doing his job. He was tending his nets, since he was a fisherman. This was probably not the first time Simon had heard or heard of Jesus. He was willing enough to let him use his boat as a pulpit. He respected Jesus enough to launch the boat and drop the nets even though all of his experience told him that he’d catch nothing at this time of day. It is clear that he got more than he bargained for when those nets came up. Interestingly, his response to the blessing is not thanks and praise. No, instead, he falls at Jesus feet overwhelmed by his personal unworthiness. That happens sometimes as we deal with Jesus. Yet no matter how unworthy we feel, he still values us and loves us and says, “Do not be afraid!” Jesus addresses us with mercy and invites us to join him in bringing his love and mercy to others.
When Jesus called Levi, Levi was doing his job. He was ripping people off and overcharging them for their taxes . . . at least that’s what most tax collectors did in first century Palestine. Interestingly, the guy who was doing something that should make him feel unworthy doesn’t show any bashfulness, but instead throws a party, inviting all of his colleagues! In Jesus, he had experienced an acceptance and love that he not before. More than that, he heard the message that God loved him and wanted him. That was a message he needed to share with others who were just like him – on the edges of society, scorned and written off by people like Simon, James and John who worked hard for their living. Yet even they followed Jesus in the hope found in Jesus’ words in v. 32. “I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.”
Notice that neither of these experiences happened at church or on some spiritual retreat. We need time to gather as brothers and sisters in Christ to hear God’s Word, receive his Sacraments, and get forgiveness from God. Spiritual retreats can be very enlightening, refreshing, and inspiring, and we can grow deeper in faith through them. I am in no way saying we shouldn’t go to church or retreats. Instead, notice: Jesus operates in our everyday lives!
Simon and Levi were at work when they were called to follow Jesus. Where will you be today? Jesus is calling you and me to follow him - to “catch men”, to “call sinners”. What is your range of emotions on that?
I pray that we will all have the response of Simon and Levi when we hear Jesus’ call. They did not just listen. They got up and left their boats and their tax tables, and they followed him.
Father in Heaven, thank you for calling me through Your Son and the work of Your Holy Spirit. I have at times merely listened to the call and not followed. Overwhelm me with the message that while I am unworthy, I am exactly who Jesus came to seek and save! Help me to share the hope Jesus has given me with others, so they too can experience the joy of Your salvation. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
When Jesus called Simon, Simon was doing his job. He was tending his nets, since he was a fisherman. This was probably not the first time Simon had heard or heard of Jesus. He was willing enough to let him use his boat as a pulpit. He respected Jesus enough to launch the boat and drop the nets even though all of his experience told him that he’d catch nothing at this time of day. It is clear that he got more than he bargained for when those nets came up. Interestingly, his response to the blessing is not thanks and praise. No, instead, he falls at Jesus feet overwhelmed by his personal unworthiness. That happens sometimes as we deal with Jesus. Yet no matter how unworthy we feel, he still values us and loves us and says, “Do not be afraid!” Jesus addresses us with mercy and invites us to join him in bringing his love and mercy to others.
When Jesus called Levi, Levi was doing his job. He was ripping people off and overcharging them for their taxes . . . at least that’s what most tax collectors did in first century Palestine. Interestingly, the guy who was doing something that should make him feel unworthy doesn’t show any bashfulness, but instead throws a party, inviting all of his colleagues! In Jesus, he had experienced an acceptance and love that he not before. More than that, he heard the message that God loved him and wanted him. That was a message he needed to share with others who were just like him – on the edges of society, scorned and written off by people like Simon, James and John who worked hard for their living. Yet even they followed Jesus in the hope found in Jesus’ words in v. 32. “I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.”
Notice that neither of these experiences happened at church or on some spiritual retreat. We need time to gather as brothers and sisters in Christ to hear God’s Word, receive his Sacraments, and get forgiveness from God. Spiritual retreats can be very enlightening, refreshing, and inspiring, and we can grow deeper in faith through them. I am in no way saying we shouldn’t go to church or retreats. Instead, notice: Jesus operates in our everyday lives!
Simon and Levi were at work when they were called to follow Jesus. Where will you be today? Jesus is calling you and me to follow him - to “catch men”, to “call sinners”. What is your range of emotions on that?
I pray that we will all have the response of Simon and Levi when we hear Jesus’ call. They did not just listen. They got up and left their boats and their tax tables, and they followed him.
Father in Heaven, thank you for calling me through Your Son and the work of Your Holy Spirit. I have at times merely listened to the call and not followed. Overwhelm me with the message that while I am unworthy, I am exactly who Jesus came to seek and save! Help me to share the hope Jesus has given me with others, so they too can experience the joy of Your salvation. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
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