Third Sunday in Ordinary Time (B)

Jon 3:1-5, 10
Ps 25:4-5, 6-7, 8-9
1 Cor 7:29-31
Mk 1:14-20

How about a real "fish story" from today's Sunday Scriptures? Hello, I'm Franciscan Father Greg Friedman, with the "Sunday Soundbite" for the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time. A fish story is usually an outlandish, exaggerated tale. Our first reading fits the bill—part of the story of Jonah. Besides featuring a pretty big fish, it tells a rather fantastic account of the instantaneous conversion of the ancient pagan city of Nineveh!

Scripture scholars see the story as a kind of folk tale—short on history but long on spiritual truth: God calls each of us—even if we're reluctant prophets, like Jonah. He resisted God's invitation to preach to the Ninevites, and wasn't all that happy with the outcome. Perhaps he would have enjoyed a dose of fire and brimstone rather than the mercy God shows the repentant Ninevites.

The story of Jesus calling the fishermen in today's Gospel is no tall tale. Unlike Jonah, Simon and Andrew, James and John respond instantly and willingly leave all to follow Jesus.

These readings make me think of my own "vocation story." How did God call me? How have I responded? I know I haven't always been immediate, willing, or whole-hearted in my response. Luckily, God seems to keep on calling, continuing to invite me to my own personal conversion. God always offers me yet another opportunity for a change of heart. And that's no fish story!

Scripture:

•Set out for the great city of Nineveh, and announce to it the message that I will tell you… (Jonah 3:3)

•Your ways, O LORD, make known to me; teach me your paths. (Psalm 25:4)

•For the world in its present form is passing away. (1 Corinthians 7:31b)

•“…Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.” (Mark 1:17) •They too were in a boat mending their nets. Then he called them. (Mark 1:19b)

Reflection:

•How is God present in the world?

•How is your world changing?

•What more can you do to change the world?

Nothing is more practical than finding God, that is, than falling in love in a quite absolute, final, way.
What you are in love with, what seizes your imagination, will affect everything.
It will decide what will get you out of bed in the morning, what you will do with your evenings, how you will spend your weekends, what you read, who you know, what breaks your heart, and what amazes you with joy and gratitude.
Fall in love, stay in love, and it will decide everything.