As Jesus passed along the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the sea—for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, “Follow me and I will make you fish for people.”
I remember going fishing as a child with my brother and dad. We'd go down to the Cedar River, a couple of baloney sandwiches and grape sodas in our cooler; our fishing poles and tackle boxes in hand; and a hope that we would come home with dinner for that night.
We rarely did.
Our hooks were empty more than they were ever full. And the initial enthusiasm and excitement for fishing would dissipate within the first hour. My brother and I would wander off to the play ground while my dad watched the fishing poles for any sign of a bite. I think my dad just liked the peace and quiet.
To be fish for people might mean that we are called to provide for others ~ help sustain those who we come into connect with each day.
When did that happen so far this year for you? Have you had a moment when you walked away from someone feeling like you had offered something that nourished and nurtured him/her?
When did you try and strike out? Did you try to say something heartfelt, but the words came out in the wrong order or were not heard the way you intended or you just plain were stymied and stumbled in your response?
Fishing is a great metaphor. There are many people out there who long for meaning, who struggle between hope/despair, who wonder if anyone cares. Here sits the church, which is called to do more than open the door on Sunday mornings. Fishing means long moments of nothing-ness followed by a few frenzied moments of trying to reel in the catch. Our lives can something sit on the dock of the bay feeling like we are wasting time...but something is moving within our midst...waiting for us.
We do these words stir and swirl and sing to you?
May your midrash moments with Mark offer you more than a trace of God's grace.
Blessings ~~
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