"What are you looking for?"
Reflections on Christ's calls in the Gospels
1. Christ's calls to live a life of fullness are very diverse in the Gospels. In Matthew and Mark, Jesus addresses Peter and Andrew first, and his first words are: "Come after me... (Mt 4:19 and Mk 1:17)." In the Gospel of John, seeing that some were following him, Jesus' first words are: "What are you looking for?" (John 1:38). And you, what are you seeking? And Jesus' second word is: "Come and see." And you, what do you think about giving yourself time to see what the Gospel offers you?
2. To meet his first disciples, Jesus takes the initiative to get into the boat and asks to leave the shore. Jesus' first words are: "Put out into deep water," which he addresses to Peter, and to the others, he says: "Put out into the deep and let down your nets (Luke 5:4)." And you, do you hear this call to move forward and go deep within yourself? The Society of Foreign Missions can accompany you in moving towards a life of giving and meaning.
3. Jesus sends out 72 disciples before he himself goes to these towns and localities. He sends them out two by two. They go from house to house announcing peace (Luke 10:5). Isn't this an invitation to engage in calming and accompanying people facing life's challenges? The Lord simply calls us to go before him and witness that God takes care of all his children!
4. "Go and do likewise." This invitation from Jesus (Luke 10:37) is addressed to every human being: to become the neighbor of all, regardless of their social status, economic situation, religion, life situation, etc. This vocation is universal!
5. Jesus calls the disciples to be fishers of men, which means that the most important thing is to care for the well-being of all human beings, so that "all may have life and have it to the full" (John 10:10). Do you hear this call to improve the lives of excluded and marginalized people?