“Jesus said to them, ‘Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.’ Then they abandoned their nets and followed him.”
Mark 1:17-18
“Thank you for your sacrifice.” It’s a phrase I’ve heard many times as a seminarian, and with priesthood just around the corner, I’m sure I haven’t heard the last of it. Yet, my instinctive response is to say in reply: “No, thank you.” In truth, all who follow Christ must make sacrifices. Like the Apostles—then just fishermen—who Jesus calls in today’s Gospel, no one gets to follow Christ without leaving something behind. Our culture, our social networks—they invite us to “follow” trends and influencers at no cost. I can follow a thousand people on Twitter, and it doesn't matter in the slightest if they all disagree with each other.
But when it comes to Christ, being his follower means choosing not to follow our own selfish desires or the goals our secular world urges us to pursue. Jesus demands exclusivity. It isn’t just a choice against sin. There was nothing evil about the fishing or the family ties that Simon and company we called to leave behind. Yet that even when it comes to good things, God is a greater good. “Come, follow me,” calls Christ. Are we willing to leave it all behind to do so?
“Come, follow me,” calls Christ. Are we willing to leave it all behind to do so?
Holy Spirit, inspire me with a love that is willing to part with all things rather than part from you.
Today’s Reflection is by:
Deacon Donald Amodeo
Did you know...
Deacon Donald Amodeo is a transitional deacon for the Diocese of St. Petersburg. He was ordained on April 17th and, God-willing will be ordained to the priesthood in May 2022. Author of the afterlife adventure "Dead & Godless," Don is an avid reader and a fan of apologetics, coffee, and cast-iron skillets. His home parish is St. Mary Catholic Church in Tampa.
