We are finally in ordinary time.
I remember as a child that always sounded so boring. Why would we want to be there? Nothing ever happens. And perhaps it can be rather dull.
But believe it or not, it is not named for being normal or regular or some other synonym of ordinary, but rather because the weeks are counted with “ordinal numbers” between the “high holy seasons.” Truly, I’m not kidding. The more you know, right?
Well, this year, we are going to be spending this shorter section of “ordinary” time with Jesus as he begins his ministry in the gospel of Matthew.
Following his baptism by John in the Jordan and being tempted in the dessert, Jesus returns to Galilee and starts off by calling his first disciples. And rather than beginning with scholars, or rabbis, or the sons of princes, Jesus chooses ordinary folk: fishermen.
Jesus tells them to follow and he will “make them become fishermen of people” (a more literal translation than we usually see). And while countless sermons have been spent discussing the meaning of this quite fascinating concept of how we fish for humans, and what we really shouldn’t do, there is a far more important word we often gloss over.
Follow.
There is more to this word than meets the eye. It is not simply about physically trailing after someone like a fascinated puppy. Nor is it about a specific set of beliefs. It is about a way of living that requires a full commitment of everything we have – in this life, not just the next.
Something to ponder as we head to the lakeshore this weekend. See you soon!
Blessings, Pastor Janie
First Welcoming All 