A Catholic Meditation on the Gospel

Today’s Gospel describes how Jesus called his first disciples and the immediacy with which these men dropped everything to follow him. We can only begin to imagine what Jesus’ presence must have been like to invoke such a response. There are few things for which we would willingly drop everything. These first disciples were willing to make Jesus and the Kingdom of God the most important things in their lives.

Mark’s Gospel is told with a great sense of urgency. Jesus is a person of action. Time is of the essence; the fishermen immediately put aside their livelihood to become Jesus’ disciples. The Kingdom of God is here and now. The time of fulfillment is at hand. How might our lives be different if we more fully shared this sense of the immediacy of God’s kingdom?

Teach me your ways, O Lord. – Psalm 25

It is not easy to drop everything to respond to the needs of another. In Pennsylvania, Maryann is a member of our faith community and an Angel Investor. Her life changed when she put her faith into action by helping two children living in extreme poverty. Maryann saw a need and quickly acted to address it. Her generosity is sending Etiene and Mwendo to school. In Haiti, Etiene’s parents never learned to read. They are grateful and proud that their son is becoming educated. In Kenya, Mwendo is at the top of his class. He knows that ​school will change his life. His mom prays for Maryann. Maryann says, “I am in awe of the strength and resilience of these children.”

Today’s gospel reminds us that the actions we take reflect our priorities. Will we act like the fishermen? Or will we wait? Living as Jesus’ disciple isn’t easy. We pray that each of us will have the courage to put God first.

*Today’s reflection was adapted from and inspired by the Loyola Press Sunday Connection.

Stories of Children Living in Extreme Poverty

4-year-old Wanzia Ngandi outside her home

Give Wanzia a hug, and you’ll feel how frail and thin she is. She only eats one meal a day. Contaminated water makes her sick. Her father works hard but it is never enough. You can change Wanzia’s life in Kenya with food and safe water.

CLICK HERE to read Wanzia’s story.

Mutiso Mwikali, Mwikali Isika Family, Food and Water, Kenya, Angel

Mutiso is only five, but he’s already scarred by extreme poverty.  His abusive father abandoned the family. His mother struggles to heal and provide for her children. You can help lift the heavy burden of hunger from this family in Kenya.

CLICK HERE to read Mutiso’s story.

Help a child in Haiti.

Gerald is only three, but he is already malnourished. His life of extreme poverty means constant hunger and deprivation. Gerald is loved, but his mother is overwhelmed and struggling. Your support means health and hope to this child in Haiti.

CLICK HERE to read Gerald’s story.