Third Sunday in Ordinary Time - B - January 24, 2021
After his baptism and temptation in the desert, Jesus called his first disciples from the fishermen on the Sea of Galilee. His call continued the message of John the Baptist, but he would take that message to the people. That meant followers would have to go where Jesus went. We, too, are called by the Lord to give up what we have for something greater.
FIRST READING Jonah was called by God to preach to the people of Nineveh. He obeyed God's command, yet didn't believe it would have any effect. Surprise! Like Jonah, we need to without judgement of others and get to work serving others.
PSALM Psalm 25 praised God for his mercy and kindness, yet was the hymn of the humble. Despite the sins of the author, he leans on the Lord for forgiveness and compassion.
SECOND READING How do we survive in an every changing world? In his first letter to the Corinthians, St. Paul addressed that issue. Yes, he did speak of marriage in the context, but we must remember that he pointed to the only thing that is permanent: divine providence.
GOSPEL In Mark's gospel, Jesus called four fishermen as his first followers. They gave up all for him. Jesus calls us every day to follow him. How do we respond? Are we willing to give up all for him?
DAILY READINGS for the Second Week in Ordinary Time.
CHILDREN'S READINGS In the story for the first reading, Dana got caught cheating on a test. She was surprised when, instead of punishment, she got another chance, just like the people of Nineveh. In the story of the gospel, Jay was not someone who kept his promises; ne never followed through. But, one broken promise changed him and taught him the value of follow through. Peter, Andrew, James, and John made a promise and kept it. They would become fishers of people.
CATECHETICAL LINK This week's Catechetical Link explores the life long commitments some Catholics make in the sacraments of Holy Orders and Matrimony. These are the Sacraments of Service to the Community.
FAMILY ACTIVITY Jesus calls us to turn our lives around and return to God. To emphasize this point, play the "Turn Around" game with your family members.