January 22, 2012
Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

(Re)Read today's Scriptures:
Jonah 3:1-5, 10
Psalm 25:4-5, 6-7, 8-9
1 Corinthians 7:29-31
Mark 1:14-20

The Word in Liturgy
Jonah, the reluctant prophet of today’s first reading, was probably not a historical figure, but a fictional character developed to tell a story concerning small-minded attitudes. Most likely the Book of Jonah was written after the exile, about 400-200 B.C., when the work of reconstruction led to a kind of nationalism among the Jewish people who no longer mirrored the generosity of God.

Today’s passage highlights the power of God. To this alone can the overwhelming response of the people of Nineveh to Jonah’s simple message be credited. To his surprise, Jonah’s preaching in the great and wicked Gentile city of Nineveh actually results in true repentance. The Ninevites’ response of faith (they “believed God”) is described with the same words the patriarch Abraham used in Genesis 15:6 (“he believed God”), pointing out the similarity of all who hear God’s call with open hearts. God reacts generously to Jonah’s preaching, sparing everyone in Nineveh.

Simon, Andrew, James, and John do literally drop everything in response to Jesus’ summons by the seashore of Galilee, as told in today’s gospel. Their call is reminiscent of the call of the prophet Elisha (1 Kings 19:19-21). The nets of these fishermen is their means of livelihood. A new mission is given to them in this encounter with Jesus, however. It requires that they leave aside the life they have known to work for a human harvest that will surpass their greatest expectations. Jesus’ appearance is presented in the language of an epiphany, or manifestation, of God. It is indeed a decisive moment for those who meet him.

Mark states succinctly the powerful message Jesus preaches. On first reading it may appear that Jesus simply picks up John the Baptist’s call to repentance. Yet a closer look reveals that Jesus carries John’s message further, adding the imperative to believe. This positive component of faith, added to the necessity of completely turning away from sin, together result in a radically new way of life for the one who hears and responds to Jesus and his message. The announcement of a time of favor from God, immediately present, gives this passage its full eschatological flavor.

The Christian understanding of the mystery of sin and repentance, today’s doctrinal focus, is deeply influenced by the message of today’s gospel. The time of God’s grace and favor is indeed at hand. In response to the Good News and the gracious kindness of God, individuals and even whole communities can repent and return to God.

Catholic Doctrine
Sin and Repentance
We believe that the world we live in and all creation is the beginning and foundation of God’s works (CCC 198). The world God created, however, is wounded and scarred by sin. What was originally created by God as good, the human person, is impaired by sin, and this flawed character continues to influence our thoughts and actions. All too frequently we are drawn to what is immoral, and by sinning we choose to turn away form God who is good.

Sin may be defined as that which offends against reason, truth, and right conscience, and fails to love God and neighbor. It wounds us and impedes human solidarity. It is a word, action, or desire contrary to God’s law.

Catholics understand repentance, our turning away from sin and back to God in Christ, as a work of grace. Conscience, placed in us by God, helps us to recognize sin for what it is and to turn from it. Like the prodigal son, when we are sunk in sin, we may nevertheless “come to our senses” through a fresh initiative on God’s part. God is generous and merciful to us and gives us every opportunity to repent and return. Indeed, we are given an entire household of faith, a community of charity, the Church, to support our ongoing conversion and our pursuit of holiness and virtue.

Gospel Summary
Jesus called two sets of brothers to be his disciples. First he called Andrew and his brother Simon. He then came upon James and John who left their father and their boat to follow Jesus. The summon of Jesus had to have been inviting beyond doubt, because these four men immediately left their means of livelihood and families to follow a dynamic, but unknown leader.

Reflection for Families
The faith and trust of these early disciples is hard to imagine. Everything Andrew, Peter, James, and John had known disappeared as they began a new way of living found in their company with Jesus. We often see these dramatic conversions among candidates in the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) and the Children’s Catechumenate. Something may have happened recently in a person’s life that brought them to the point of conversion. It is important that you help your family, along with the entire Christian family, to affirm and support these folks in the months ahead.

Bringing the Gospel into Your Family
The fishermen were busy going about their business of fishing and earning a living. Still, something in their busyness caused them to not only stop their work and listen to Jesus, but drop what they were doing and follow him. We all live very busy lives today, too. Stop to consider where you hear Jesus’ call in your busy day. Share these moments with one another and explain how you did (or didn’t) respond to the call. Offer support to one another as you work to better answer Jesus’ call in the future.

QUESTION OF THE WEEK

First Reading: Jonah 3:1–5, 10 (They Repented)
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 7:29–31
(The World is Passing)
Gospel: Mark 1:14–20 (Repent and Believe)

Adults:
What can I do this week to invite a friend or neighbor to follow Christ?

Children:
How can I help a friend or classmate feel invited to follow Christ?

Discussion Starters

1. A life-changing call for me that came from Jesus happened when…
2. Like the first fishermen, I am a gatherer of people for Jesus when…
3. Jesus called more than one disciple at time. It also helps me to be called with others because…