Jesus calls his first disciples 5:1-11
Imaginative Contemplation
One day Jesus was standing on the shore of Lake Gennesaret while the people pushed their way up to him to listen to the word of God. He saw two boats pulled up on the beach; the fishermen had left them and were washing the nets. Jesus got into one of the boats (Simon’s) and asked him to push off a little from the shore. Jesus sat in the boat and taught the crowd.
Enter into the scene
· Jesus was standing by the shore. What was the weather like? Was there a breeze? Was the Lake calm or turbulent? How am I feeling as I enter into this prayer time?
· The people were pushing to get close to Jesus. How do I feel when I am in a crowded place? Why do you think that Jesus moved away from the people? Did he feel crowded, or was he concerned for the people who could be knocked or pushed back out of the way?
· Have I ever felt pushed aside? How did I react? What would Jesus say to me at such a time?
· Jesus asked the fishermen to help him out. With Jesus on board, they pushed the boat out a little from the shore. How do I react when someone needs my help?
· Sound carries well across water. So, though Jesus was further away from the people, the whole crowd could hear him better now.
· The people wanted to listen to the word of God that they recognised in the teaching of Jesus.
For further reflection
Discuss with Jesus the following points:
· Sometimes what seems to be a disadvantage turns out to be a blessing. Can I remember times in my life when something that seems to be negative turns out to be for the better?
· Where do I hear the word of God in my life? In daily prayer? In spiritual reading? In the events of the day? Through other people? In considering nature?
· I talk to Jesus about the things that have struck me in this reading. What does he want me to do in response today? In the future?
Prayer
Glory be to the Father, to the Son and to the Holy Spirit as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.