Monday of the First Week in Ordinary Time
Now that the Christmas season has concluded, we return to the “ordinary” life of Jesus, the public ministry he performed as an adult before his sacrifice on the cross. In the Gospel today, Jesus calls his first disciples to come and follow him. It is an invitation to know him more deeply and, eventually, to inherit his ministry. At this time, the disciples do not know what is in store for them, but they are fascinated by this preacher and eager to learn about him. They can perceive that Jesus can lead them to greater understanding, to the true meaning of life that drives all of us.
Everyone experiences the impulse to attain meaning beyond ourselves. It is built into us to search out something greater, and that greater reality is Jesus himself, for he is God. The disciples will come to know this through his life, death, and resurrection, as he carries out the will of the Father. Nothing matters beyond that will, which is perfectly expressed in Christ Jesus. He is the meaning that we all desire, the ultimate goal of our existence.
Reflection by Fr. Victor Schinstock, OSB
Posted in Articles for Ordinary Time, Daily Reflections