A Reflection from Fr. Paul - Sunday, January 22nd

In our Gospel this weekend, we listen as Jesus calls four of His main apostles: Peter, Andrew, James, and John. They leave their former way of life behind to become “fishers of people.”
 
As I was reflecting on this Gospel, I remembered reading about a little town in the Swiss Alps with a monument to two men who had climbed a great mountain. One of them, a famous scientist who wrote many books, got a lot of press and recognition, but he could not have done it without the other person, a poor, humble guide. The townspeople recognized this and acknowledged the guide, along with the famous man.
 
No message is clearer in the New Testament than God uses ordinary people to bring about His Kingdom.  It started with Mary and Joseph having their child in a stable. It continued with Jesus beginning His ministry in Galilee, not Jerusalem.  It continues in our Gospel today with His call of simple fishermen to be His main companions.  All of this emphasizes a Messiah who is crucified and dies, not a military hero.
 
There is a lot of work to be done for the Kingdom.  There are many people who are alone and need someone to visit them.  There are many organizations who serve the poor that are looking for volunteers.  There are lots of opportunities to be involved here at Pius, building up the community and making it strong. 
 
So, when an opportunity presents itself for you to serve in some
capacity, don’t give yourself a pass by saying, “Others are better prepared” or “Others have a better personality” or some other excuse.  God will give us what we need.  What He can’t give us is the willingness to take a risk and say “yes”: that we have to do on our own, as did Peter, Andrew, James, and John.
 
God has given us many gifts and talents.  Let’s make sure we are actively using them to build up His Kingdom.  God bless.
 
Church sign of the week: Where God guides, God provides.