Gospel for January 22 2023 – Matthew 4:12-23
Gospel Reflections for January 22 2023
Two Simple Words
Some people think our Catholic faith is complicated, yet it could not be more simple, and today’s Gospel reveals all you need to know. The entire message of Jesus is summarized in just two words!
Jesus speaks to fishermen on the Sea of Galilee near the town of Capernaum. He simply says, “Follow me.” They do …and so should you. Nothing complicated here. Authentic Christians simply follow what Jesus says and does.
Yet, why did those fishermen suddenly drop everything and follow Jesus? Would those two words turn your life around if spoken to you by a stranger walking on the beach? Archaeologists have made some amazing discoveries about life at that time that sheds light on this question.
Jesus had lived in this town of Capernaum for some time. Therefore, these fishermen knew Jesus quite well and had already witnessed his words and behavior for years. They knew Our Lord was a wise man filled with the spirit of God. They knew His character and virtue. In those days, people would want to be associated with such a good and wise person.
However, archaeologists also recognized these fishermen had a problem. They had fishing boats …and that was not a small thing.
In 1986, archaeologists discovered an ancient fishing boat dated to the time of Jesus along the shore near the town of Capernaum. Detailed analysis revealed that it had been very carefully constructed with fine craftsmanship but was also repaired many times. If you repair something frequently, it can only be because you considered it valuable and worth keeping. They concluded that fishing boats were very significant and highly treasured business assets. You would not just leave them behind casually. In addition, the Gospels indicated that some of the disciples even had several boats!
These were not poor fishermen after all but owners of significant and valuable business assets. If they were poor and had nothing to lose, then following Jesus would have meant no big risk. These archaeological discoveries indicate these fishermen left a lot behind to follow Jesus!
As Catholics today we stand on the shoulders of these giants of the early Church who left so much of their wealth behind to follow Our Lord. You can be grateful for their example, but perhaps also begin to reflect how you can imitate them. I hope it will also lead you to simply, “Follow Him!”
God Bless!
Fr. Dave
Two words says it all. That amazes me and your explanation helps to understand what thought process went into the actions they took to follow Jesus. I pray that material possessions never keep me from following him.
Thanks Father for this uncomplicated description of what is required of us to Follow Christ .
Father Dave many thanks for your insights Best John
You are very welcome!
Yes, Our Lord made everything so clear!
Once again, Fr. Dave tells us a simple yet very effective way to follow Jesus.
Thanks Fr. !
Larry,
You are very welcome!
Great commentary Fr. Dave!
Jesus still goes on in the presence of our spiritual leaders preaching
to the crowds!
It is no wonder that the apostles wanted to hear more from Jesus
They listened to His preaching to the crowds and saw the many miracles
He performed. They asked questions and saw how patient He was with them.
He wants us to ask Him questions as well.
Like the apostles we’ll come to know Him personally as the One whose
love lasts forever and whose mercy never ends.
..
.
.
Very beautifully written, Philomena!
Beautiful words, Come follow me!!!! The Apostles believed that Jesus was the precious Son of God and by His love and miracle healings he revealed God’s LOVE for us in a precious young man, His son!!!!!!!!!!Today and for always our Jesus says “Come follow me” and if we live His precious love, we are beautifully following Him!!! Loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee our precious Jesus and loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee you for beautifully giving Jesus to us!!!
Loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee, Franca and Dick
Thank you!
Fr Dave,
Thank you for this explanation.
I have always wondered why fishermen would so willingly give up everything to follow Jesus. Also, thank you for the understanding of what a huge financial sacrifice this was.
The lesson then is to not to let money, things or other obsessions take priority over having a relationship with Jesus.
Yes, there are many powerful insights into this short Gospel story.
Follow him! So clear, so clear…. Thank you, Fr. Dave…
Yes, Our Lord knows how to make things clear!