Importance of Leaving the net in order to follow Jesus

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 34th Week :Thursday*

*Gospel : Mt 4:18-22*

*First Reading : Rom 10:9-18*

*Importance of Leaving the net in order to follow Jesus*

*1) Jesus' call to the first disciples and their immediate reaction*

The Gospel of the day speaks about the call of first disciples 

Jesus called Peter and Andrew, and John and John 

The Gospel tells us that the first disciples of Jesus simply left their nets and followed Jesus  

*2) Significance of Leaving the Net*

*A) Net is like a trap*

Net is a trap which is used to catch fish. Once the fish is inside the net, it can't escape 

Net as a trap can also be dangerous to our own life. If we are cought in the net, we can't come out of it 

*B) Net was their important possession*

Among many things, net was one if the important things which was used for their daily work 

Leaving the net means, one is giving up one of the important instruments of daily work 

When disciples are ready to sacrifice the net means, it shows the readiness to give up the worldly things 

*C) Untying net is difficult*

Usually the net is difficult to untie. If one tries, he can't succeed 

The only way to get rid if the net is to abundan the net. 

That is what the disciples did. They left it and followed Jesus 

*D) Net does not allow easily to escape the things*

Once caught in the net, one can't escape 

Net does not give easy access to escape

*E) Net is fatal*

Anything live caught in the net ultimately ends up in death 

Death is the final destiny of the net. So need to be careful 

*3) Various nets in our life*

There are various nets, which we have to leave in order to follow Jesus 

The net of jealousy

The net of arrogance

The net of hatred 

The net of gossip

The net of pride

The net of indifference

The net of revenge

The net of self ego 

The net of selfishness

The net of anger 

The net of excessive desire for things  

*4) Am I ready leave my net?* 

This is a very challenging question to all of us 

To leave the net of our own comfortable zone and to follow Jesus is very challenging 

To leave the above mentioned nets is really challenging

Even then am I ready to leave my net?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*