miriamkennedy3n5w

There is a great deal of difference between fishing for fish and fishing for people. Fish can be caught against their will, and violently pulled from the sea. People are caught by uncovering the deep desires of their hearts. Their hearts were moved to immediately follow Him.

This week faith traditions around the world will assemble in prayer to make the Lord’s words living and active, “that all may be one.”

Just as God the Father claimed His Son as “His Beloved,” so too, does God claim each of us as His beloved daughters and sons. In the waters of baptism, we have become a new creation.

They symbolize the noblest human effort.  They are the wise ones, star gazers, men of philosophy, science and treasure.  They go trekking for the truth.  Finding it, see it revealed, manifested, in Jesus.

Sirach offers a plan of family behavior good for any generation.  Good behavior is grounded on honor, respect, prayer, reverence, obedience, care, kindness and consideration of others.  These are virtues meant to establish a loving, united household of peace and joy.

Joseph the carpenter is at work here, trying to build a response of love in a world of law.

We know God is with us by the signs: healing, openness, conversion, freedom, the outcast and the forgotten are welcomed home, people dead in despair and misery are given life, and the good news is preached to the poor of the world.

This is the time to purify and simplify, to come back to what is essential. To re-think where we have been, to re-think where we are going.

Let us be aware of this divine activity. Let God’s redeeming presence enter into our thinking and planning. Let us stay awake through the night.