Introduction: The Call to Discipleship

This Sunday’s Gospel describes the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry – which begins after his baptism and after his retreat to the desert – where he is tempted by the devil to compromise his mission and identity. In the desert he centers himself on his role and purpose. He is focused.

Have you ever gone on a retreat to focus on you?

The first part of the Gospel places Jesus’ ministry in the context of the prophet, Isaiah. Matthew wants to show right at the beginning that Jesus is the fulfillment of the Hebrew prophecies – and as proof that Jesus is the Messiah that has been promised. 

After centering himself in his identity and mission – and rooting himself in the rich Hebrew prophetic tradition and teachings, Jesus calls forth his disciples. According to all the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke), Jesus invites his first disciples while his identity remains a complete mystery to them! This is remarkable.

Have you ever experienced Jesus as a mystery?

In his Gospel, Matthew introduces key characteristics of discipleship. Firstly, the invitation is initiated by Jesus. Unlike disciples of rabbis, who would seek out the one with whom they wanted to study, these disciples of Jesus are invited by him. Secondly, Jesus’ invitation is to an active mission. Discipleship does not entail merely intellectual ascent. A radical change is required in one’s actions – symbolized here by the disciples immediately leaving their nets, boats, and father. In the story there is no preparation for this encounter with Jesus. Thirdly, the communal dimension of discipleship is emphasized by the coming of the call to two sets of brothers.  And lastly, the inclusion of marginalized people in Jesus’ entourage is exemplified in the call of toll collector, Matthew.

How would you describe your call to discipleship?

Contemporary biblical commentators also make several interesting observations in the call to discipleship. Far from being “uneducated, ordinary men,” these fishermen were savvy businessmen who managed employees and located their industry in an advantageous tax district. It is likely they relocated from Bethsaida to Capernaum for a tax break! Furthermore, this Gospel tells us little about the prior experience that the disciples had of Jesus. Did they know him? Had they heard him preach? We do not know. However, there was something so compelling about his person and his message that Peter, Andrew, James, and John immediately dropped everything – and followed him! One last point. Perhaps Jesus himself relocated to Capernaum for it was then a bustling commercial village in the region and at the crossroads of the international trade route called the Via Maris, the “Way of the Sea.” A perfect place to begin!

Where is your “crossroads” now to proclaim and live out the Way of Jesus today?

I would invite you to take time to read and ponder the words from the Gospel of Matthew 4:12-23.

What word or words caught your attention? What in this passage comforted/challenged you?

Further Questions and Reflections:

Jesus calls people who have something to leave behind – as his first disciples did. What prevents us from following him freely. What can be left behind? 

Ponder: Each day is an invitation to search our hearts and let go of that which contradicts our baptismal calling in order to hear him and follow. 

Leaving his little home village of Nazareth, Jesus relocated to Capernaum on the Sea of Galilee. He is a young man (aged 32) in a hurry. So much to do. So little time. Do you possess an urgency in mission?

The disciples received only a call. No hints about what would follow. No details about the mission. No promises of success. What about you?


Deacon David

Deacon David Suley
St. Andrew Apostle Catholic Church
Silver Spring, Maryland

Published with Permission

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________