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Reflections
for Sunday, January 25, 2009
A fish story is usually an
outlandish, exaggerated tale. Our
first reading fits the bill-part of the
story of Jonah. Besides featuring a
pretty big fish, it tells a rather
fantastic account of the
instantaneous conversion of the
ancient pagan city of Nineveh!
Scripture scholars see the story as a
kind of folk tale-short on history
but long on spiritual truth: God calls each of us-even if
we're reluctant prophets, like Jonah. He resisted God's
invitation to preach to the Ninevites, and wasn't all that
happy with the outcome. Perhaps he would have enjoyed a
dose of fire and brimstone rather than the mercy God shows
the repentant Ninevites. The story of Jesus calling the
fishermen in today's Gospel is no tall tale. Unlike Jonah,
Simon and Andrew, James and John respond instantly,
willingly leave all to follow Jesus.
These readings make us think of our own "vocation story."
How did God call us? How have we responded? We know
we haven't always been immediate, willing, or wholehearted
in our response. Luckily, God keep on calling,
continuing to invite us to our own personal conversion.
God always offers us yet another opportunity for a change
of heart. And that's no fish story!
Readings of the day:
First Reading:
Second Reading:
Gospel:
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Reflections are available for the following Sundays:
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