To the Ends of the Earth: Legacy – Week 8, Day 5 – The Church Has the Keys to the Kingdom
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As he walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon who is called Peter and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Immediately they left their nets and followed him. And going on from there he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zeb’edee and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets, and he called them. Immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed him.
Matthew 4:18–22
The Master called his first disciples from their ordinary lives to follow him. His love turned them from fishermen to fishers of men. They had no idea where this call would lead, but still they followed. Their lives would have many twists and turns, sorrows and joys. Yet through it all, these men were transformed by the power of Christ. They went from being average men, unsure and untested, to bold proclaimers of the Good News. Only the power of the Holy Spirit could affect such a change in these men and empower them to leave their safe and secure lives for the narrow way.
Like the disciples, we probably will not know where Jesus is leading us. He calls us to walk in faith, following him as fishers of men. Only in and through Christ can we perform works of love for others. Only by following him can we make disciples, teaching them what we have learned, leading them to the sacraments, and walking with them through the trials they will face. It is a life-long journey of fellowship and growth, one that requires our total commitment as we live the law of love in our words and deeds every single day.
Questions for reflection
What have you had to give up in order to answer the call to follow Jesus? Has it been worth it?
How are you living out the Master’s command to reach out to those in need of a Savior?
How does growing as a Catholic man go hand in hand with “saving souls”?
Praying with Scripture
For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. (1 Pet 2:21)
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Mark C. McCann is an author and Ministry Consultant with more than 30 years of writing and ministry experience. He has published articles for a number of Catholic magazines and websites including St. Anthony Messenger, Emmanuel Magazine, Liguorian Magazine, Catholic Stand, the Connecticut Catholic Men's Conference, and Homiletic and Pastoral Review. He recently published the 4-volume Catholic men's devotional, To the Ends of the Earth, as well as the 2021 Advent Daybreaks devotional and 2022 Lenten Daybreaks devotional with Liguori Publishing. He has also released his End Times novel series, Jacob's Dream: The Vision and Jacob's Dream: The Final Battle. He was a radio host and producer for 8 years at a Connecticut Christian radio station and has worked as a Catholic religion teacher/campus minister and a parish youth minister. He has also served the Norwich, CT Diocese as a Youth Ministry Director and Family Life Director. He currently lives in Connecticut with his Proverbs 31 wife, where together they have brought up three incredible children. He strives each day to live out his call to be a man of words. You can learn more about Mark and his writing at www.wordsnvisions.com.
