Andrew left the Fishing net in order to follow Jesus

Gospel Thoughts

*Advent Season : C Cycle  1st Week - Tuesday*

*GOSPEL -  Mt 4:18-22*

*First Reading - Rom 10:9-18*

*Feast of St Andrew the Apostle*

*Andrew left the Fishing net  in order to follow Jesus*

*1) Andrew was busy with his fishing net*

When Jesus saw Andrew at the sea of Galilee, he was casting the net. For he was a fishermen and was engaged in his work. 

In fact fishing net was everything for Him. In order words, it was an instrument for him to earn his livelihood. 

So there is a close relationship between Andrew and the net which he was using for fishing 

*2) Andrew leaves the Net which was so essential for him so far*

When Jesus called him, the Gospel says, he left the net and followed Jesus 

He was ready to leave the net and follow Jesus. This shows his readiness to follow Jesus leaving everything

*3) Fishing and fishing net was His talent and His expertise*

When we look at the life of Andrew we can conclude that he was a good fishermen

One could conclude that he had a good talent for fishing. So that was his asset

Another important talent could the use of the net, and the techniques of using it. One could conclude that he was expert in it 

*4) When Jesus calls, so called our expertise does not count*

In no way Andrew will be able to use his talent of fishing and use if the techniques of using the net will be used in building the kingdom of God. 

So Jesus didn't call him because he was good in fishing, because he was expert in the use of the net etc. 

Jesus simply calls him to follow Him, and he follows Jesus leaving the fishing net 

*5) The surrendering of the Fishing net*

This has a deeper meaning 

It symbolises a new beginning in the life of Andrew 

It symbolises his readiness to sacrifice everything for the sake of Jesus 

It symbolises his willingness to adopt a new way of life 

It symbolises his willingness to sacrifice the wordly things 

It symbolises his willingness to adapt the way of Jesus in his life 

It symbolises a complete *U Turn* in his life 

*6) Fishing net and My Life*

It also has a deeper significance to my life 

*Net basically used to catch something, to get something and trap something*

The following things may take the place of fishing net in my life

The net of Pride 

The net of selfishness

The net of personal gain 

The net of desire for power 

The net of desire for authority, money, wealth, name, property, beauty, etc 

The net o gossip

The net of revenge

The net of anger 

*7) Wordly standards don't match to the heavenly standards*

Net was a wordly things in the hands of Andrew. But it was not necessary when he followed Jesus 

When he followed Jesus, Jesus give him different types of nets, which he could use for the building of the Kingdom of God

The Heavenly net of forgiveness, love, sacrifice, service, sharing etc 

So with  the Wordly things one can't build the Kingdom of God. It needs diffent levels of nets. 

*Am I ready to give up my net to follow Jesus?*

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*