Fr Colin's Desk
From Deacon Dave
From the time John the Baptist proclaimed to two of his disciples, “Look, there is the Lamb of God;” their following Jesus and their question, “Rabbi, where do you live?” and then the answer which transforms us all. “Come and see,” which started our Lord’s ministry on earth; and Andrew, one of those two disciples telling his brother Simon Peter—”We have found the Messiah” – and so it all began.
We witness through the Gospels the transformation by Jesus; “The time has come,” He said, “and the Kingdom of God is close at hand, repent and believe the Good News.”
Jesus then calls His other disciples, and leaving everything they follow Him. They must have been completely awe-struck watching the Lord perform many miracles and driving out devils; not allowing them to speak; they knew who He was, His teaching was drawing them away from worldly thinking and to a new spiritual way of living—loving God their Father and their neighbour.
St Paul, in the second reading, viewed his called from Jesus. He felt spiritually obligated to fulfill his commission as it had been entrusted to him. He didn’t charge for this calling, that would have made him worldly. He became a slave to all to win many over to Christ; becoming as Jesus did, who came to serve and not be served, and to give His life as a ransom for many.
The gospel tells us that Jesus heals Simon’s mother-in-law of a fever. She then got up and served Jesus and others present. This example affirms that those who have been saved by Christ through a spiritual rebirth and healing are expected to serve the Lord God.
As you have heard during today’s readings, we have different examples of how one can think spiritually versus worldly thinking. We have come to realize that in order to remain faithful in the service of the Lord we must embrace a spiritual mind so that we can understand the things of God.
We have learned the necessity to associate with those who are spiritually minded. If we surround ourselves with those who are worldly we will begin to think like them suppressing our spiritual thoughts that are in harmony with the indwelling spirit of Christ.
We received freely from God, so we should give freely to others, not expecting a worldly reward for our spiritual work by the power of the Holy Spirit.
So, what is God’s message to me this week from these readings?