Sunday 7th February 2010

Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

‘Jesus said to Simon: “Do not be afraid; from now on it is people you will catch.” Then, bringing their boats back to land, they left everything and followed him.’ The image that Jesus uses has a very special relevance for those he was talking to. They were fishermen. But it continues to be relevant for us today because it simply means that our task is to make Christ attractive to and available for the people of our world. This is done first of all in our homes where the faith is handed on by parents in the ways they make their home a place of joy and gladness. This involves giving up their time and their own preoccupations for the sake of each other and their children. It also determines how a faith community is developed. The most important thing about any faith community should be that it is attractive for others. This will mean giving up our own comfort zones so that others can find a home among us.

Fr. Johnny Doherty, C.Ss.R.