The need of leaving the Fishing net, in order to follow Jesus

Gospel Thoughts

*Third Week : Sunday*

*GOSPEL - Mk 1:14-20*

*First Reading - Jon 3:1-5, 10*

*Second Reading - 1 Cor 7:29-31*

*The need of leaving the Fishing net, in order to follow Jesus*

*1) Fishing net was one of the important things, which was left by all four disciples*

In the Gospel, we find that, when Jesus called Simon and Andrew, James and John, they were busy with their fishing nets 

Among the many things which were left by these disciples, net appears to be one of  important things. 

Leaving the net was very necessary and the first disciples were ready to leave their nets 

If so what is the speciality of the net? Why it was very necessary for the disciples to leave the net?

*2) First of all net is instrument, which is used for trapping*

The very nature of the net is to trap the fish 

Trapping is something which is done in a secrete way. 

Trapping always something which speaks in a negative way. Trapping is not something which is very positive 

Trapping is some kind of cheating and it works in a hidden way 

*3) Once something is caught in net, can't escape*

When something gets into the net, it can't escape very easily. 

The fish which is caught in the net, in no way is able to escape 

So net is a terrible thing for the fish, when it gets caught with the net. 

*4) Net risks life*

The life of fish, which is cought  in net, becomes  fatal. 

The ultimate end of the fish, which is cought in net is death itself 

So the net will bring the terrible end for the fish and the life is gone.

*5) Net is a dangerous thing*

So in its negative understanding net appears to be a dangerous thing

One can't play with the net, since its nature is very tricky and problematic

Because of the above mentioned things, the disciples could not take the net along with them, when they were about to follow Jesus, but they left the net and followed Jesus 

*6) Sin works like a net in our life*

The people of Nineveh, were cought in the net of sin and they were not able to come out it 

The situation became worse and they were about to be destroyed because of their sin 

The power of the net of sin is so terrible it destroys everything in ones life and life itself 

*7) To escape from the net one needs the help of others*

One can't save oneself, when one gets cought with the net 

The more we try to escape from the net, the worse the situation becomes 

Finally some one else has to help us to come out from this net 

God sent prophet Johna to render His helping hand to Ninevites to come out the the net of Sin 

They cooperated with the Prophet and Finally they were able to come out of it. 

*8) Which are the nets I am cought in?*

Am I free from the sinful nets or am I cought up in those terrible nets? 

The net of pride 

The net of anger 

The net of revenge 

The net of greed 

The net of jealousy 

The net of gossip

The net of self-righteousness

The net of un-forgiveness

The net of negativity and criticism 

*9) Am I ready to leave these nets?*

The disciples of Jesus left these nets and they were successful

The people of Nineveh left their net of sin  they were saved 

Today like the disciples and the people of Nineveh, we need to leave the nets to follow Jesus. 

Am I ready. Think about it. 

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*