January 11, 2016

CALLING OF 4 APOSTLES +++++++++++++++++++++++

Ø In today’s Gospel Jesus calls the first disciples, in fact, the first four apostles

Ø There are four things we can note here

1^ST ODRINARY +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Ø 1^stwe notice what men are: they are fishermen

Ø They R ordinary people – not wealthy, powerful, or well-known, but ordinary, everyday persons

Ø So, message is that G works w/ us as we are and can produce the extraordinary out of the ordinary

Ø To put it another way, the ordinary can do the extraordinary with Jesus

2^ND EVERYDAY WORK +++++++++++++++++++++++++

Ø Second, we notice what they are doing: they are fishing or tending their nets

Ø So God is involved with us not just in church and not just when we are praying

Ø God also is also involved with us right in everyday work

Ø Whatever we do, we can try to make our everyday work an occasion where God and the way of Jesus can merge

3^RD RELATIONSHIPS FIRST ++++++++++++++++++++++

Ø Third, we notice how Jesus calls these first apostles: he says “Follow me”

Ø He begins by drawing them to a relationship with him and does not propose a list of truths or a theological system

Ø It is the relationship that comes first

Ø One contemporary author says that usually we live our way into a new way of thinking, and not usually think our way into a new way of living

Ø Jesus here is calling these first disciples to follow and live with him and only later would they live their way into a new way of thinking

4^TH THEN THE TASK +++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Ø And fourth, we note what Jesus offers them

Ø He offers them a task, work, service

Ø Most of us deep down really want something to which to give ourselves and our lives

Ø Jesus understood this and that is what he offers these first disciples

CONCLUSION ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Ø Some interesting thoughts underlying this simple call of the first four disciples

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WordsWorthNoting