border of Zebulun and Naphtali. In this way, the word of the prophet Isaiah was fulfilled: Land
of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, crossed by the Road of the Sea; and you, who live beyond the
Jordan, Galilee, land of pagans: The people who lived in darkness have
seen a great light; on those who live in the land of the shadow of death, a light has shone.
From that time on, Jesus began to proclaim his message, “Change your ways: the kingdom
of heaven is near.”
As Jesus walked by the lake of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter, and Andrew
his brother, casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. He said to them, “Come, follow
me; and I will make you fish for people.” At once they left their nets and followed him.
He went on from there and saw two other brothers, James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother
John, in a boat with their father Zebedee, mending their nets. Jesus called them. At once, they
left the boat, and their father, and followed him. Jesus went around all Galilee, teaching in their
synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and curing all kinds of sickness and
disease among the people.
READ: Today’s readings introduce us to Jesus’ mission. The prophet Isaiah tells us that the
Messiah will come to banish darkness and death, replacing them with joy. Paul writes about
the unity of those who follow Jesus, a unity founded in the Gospel and in the cross. In
Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus calls us to abandon the past, change the way we live, and follow him.
REFLECT: By baptism, we are united in the Body of Christ and so we share in his mission. Like
Peter and Andrew, James and John, we are called to leave behind anything that is not God
and follow Jesus wholeheartedly. Change is never easy. facing our sinful behaviors can be
embarrassing and painful. Avoiding occasions of sin is difficult and may cost us activities and
relationships that we found pleasurable. It is fair to ask what we get in exchange for this effort.
Jesus tells us what we will gain — the very kingdom of God. That kingdom – a kingdom of joy,
unity, love, and hope – is near.
PRAY: Lord Jesus, help me to love you above all things, to follow you, and to come to your
kingdom.
ACT: Seek the Lord’s forgiveness for your sins and make a firm commitment to change your
ways.
© Copyright Bible Diary 2023
