Sunday, May 31, 2015

Today’s Reading  |  Matthew 4:18–25
As he walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea—for they were fishermen. And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fish for people.” Immediately they left their nets and followed him. As he went from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John, in the boat with their father Zebedee, mending their nets, and he called them. Immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed him.

Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and curing every disease and every sickness among the people. So his fame spread throughout all Syria, and they brought to him all the sick, those who were afflicted with various diseases and pains, demoniacs, epileptics, and paralytics, and he cured them. And great crowds followed him from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, and from beyond the Jordan. (NRSV)

Reflection
As a senior in college, I was faced with the reality every young adult experiences: uncertainty and fear about life’s next journey. I had a deep desire to give of myself and embrace a new environment, so after many application essays and much discernment, I decided to dedicate a year as a Colorado Vincentian Volunteer. Similar to Americorps, CVV echoes the charism of St. Vincent de Paul, with twelve postgraduates living in an intentional community. Our program focused on service, social justice, community, faith, and simple living.

Our group of thirteen became dedicated to a modern form of discipleship. We hosted communal dinners, worked at our respective social service agencies, protested against oppressive laws and institutions, advocated for those experiencing homelessness, mental illness, hunger, sexism, racism, etc. In a way, we answered Christ’s call to leave behind our daily comforts and seek out those who were often forgotten. It was not an easy call to answer, and we faced just as many challenges as triumphs. As a daily reminder that Christ was calling me to do his work in the service of others, I painted the words from the song “Pescador de Hombres” on my bedroom wall.

We must continue to ask ourselves, how can we forgo pieces of this modern world to truly become “fishers of people?” How can we emulate the disciples in our relationships, interactions, and service? Jesus welcomes us on this journey of discipleship, and we are blessed to welcome others in our arms.

Prayer
“Lord, have you need of my labor, hands for service, a heart made for loving, my arms for lifting the poor and broken? O Lord, in my eyes you were gazing, Kindly smiling, my name you were saying; All I treasured, I have left on the sand there; close to you, I will find other seas. Lord, send me where you would have me, to a village, or heart of the city; I will remember that you are with me.” Amen.
(Prayer text from the song “Pescador de Hombres” by Cesáreo Gabaráin)

Reflection written by Jackie Lorens, Director, Chicago Lights Elam Davies Social Service Center

Reflection © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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