Deacon Bill’s Gospel Reflection on the Gospel theme this Sunday

When Jesus invites Simon, Andrew, James and John to follow him, the four fishermen began a journey with Jesus which was as much personal as it was missionary. There were no questions from them when Jesus invited them to follow him, but Jesus did not invite them into a state of blind obedience. The disciples’ search for understanding – in the form of many questions – came after their commitment on the lakeside, and within the context of that commitment. The calling of the four fishermen shows us that spiritual commitment is first and foremost a response to Jesus and to his revelation to us of who we are. We ask questions of Jesus to seek understanding of ourselves and of him. In amazing ways he will respond. The questions we ask of Jesus do not undermine our commitment, they deepen it.