Advent Reflections
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2022
By Camille Desjardins ’23
“Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.”
The first reading and the Gospel today both talk about going out and spreading the good news. The first reading states: “Their voice has gone forth to all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world”. This is talking about the importance of spreading the good news wherever one goes. It is important to proclaim the good news through our words and our actions. We can live out the Gospel through our actions by loving one another. Although this can sometimes feel like a challenge because we are human, it is important to be intentional during advent to try to love one another better. Our kind actions and words can cause a ripple effect and touch the ends of the earth.
The Gospel today focuses on being fishers of men. Some of you may be wondering what does it mean to be ‘fishers of men’?! When Jesus calls James and John to be fishers of men he is calling them to follow him and spread the good news to bring others closer to God. The first thing that Jesus tells them to do is drop their nets and follow him. Letting go of their nets wasn't an easy thing for James and John as fishing was their livelihood. This passage often makes me think about my own nets, what are the things that I am holding on that are hindering me from following Jesus. When I think of my own nets a big net that I feel like I am holding onto is caring about what others will think. Another net is the business of society and feeling like I don’t have enough time. What are some of your nets?
This advent we can try to let go of these nets that we are holding onto just like James and John were holding on to their fishing nets. Let go of these nets and follow Jesus and place your trust in him. Focus on becoming fishers of men. Think of ways that you can be fishers of men at your college, home, or workplace. How can you be fishers of men and go out into the deep? Go out and love through your words and actions.