Sunday Gospel Reflection by Bishop Parkes: The year 2020 was a difficult year for many. Racial and political unrest and a global pandemic made it historic and memorable for all the wrong reasons. It also made us hope for a new year of change and opportunity.
We are a joyful community of disciples proclaiming the Good News and inviting all people to encounter the love and mercy of Jesus Christ.
Read the Gospel reflection by Bishop Parkes below or click here to listen to it.
Are you a fisher of men?
“Jesus said to them, ‘Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.’” – Mark 1:17
The year 2020 was a difficult year for many. Racial and political unrest and a global pandemic made it historic and memorable for all the wrong reasons. It also made us hope for a new year of change and opportunity.
More than 2000 years ago, Simon and Andrew were struggling fisherman, just trying to make a living while under the rule of the Roman government and religious authorities. Their lives revolved around fish – catching and selling them. That was their present and their future reality. Not really much to hope for when you think about it. That is until they encounter Jesus. From that moment forward, their lives would change forever. Jesus offers them a new outlook on life, a future of hope, new opportunity and a brighter tomorrow. They make the decision to abandon their nets and follow Jesus.
Many people feel trapped in their current reality. Career goals, societal pressures and family responsibilities can make life difficult and challenging. We often look for short term solutions that we think will bring us happiness and fulfillment. But, in the end, they only leave us feeling more empty. But there’s a different path we can follow – a path that leads to ultimate and eternal happiness. It’s the path of following Jesus Christ. Jesus’s invitation to Simon, Andrew, James and John is also extended to us. Come, follow me.
I know that many are already following Jesus. You have a good life, attend church regularly and do charitable works. But are you a fisher of men as Jesus says? Do you give good example to others by the way you live your life? Do you invite others to a relationship with Jesus Christ by sharing the Good News?
Our mission is to proclaim Jesus Christ, invite others to follow Him, and to see His presence in those we encounter. It’s not too late to embark on a different path as we begin this new year.
¿Eres un pescador de hombres?
Jesús les dijo: “Síganme y haré de ustedes pescadores de hombres". - Mc 1, 17
El año 2020 fue un año difícil para muchas personas. El malestar racial y político, y una pandemia global hicieron del año pasado un acontecimiento histórico y memorable, pero por las peores razones. También nos hizo esperar por un nuevo año con cambios y oportunidades.
Hace más de 2000 años Simón y Andrés eran pescadores, que trataban a duras penas de ganarse la vida bajo el dominio del gobierno romano y las autoridades religiosas. La vida de ellos dependía mucho de los peces, que pescaban y vendían. Ésa era su realidad presente y su futuro. Viéndole a simple vista, no tenían mucho que esperar de su vida. Pero a partir del momento en que se encuentran con Jesús, su vida cambia para siempre. Jesús les ofrece una nueva visión de la vida, un futuro de esperanza, nuevas oportunidades y un mañana más prometedor. Hacen la decisión de abandonar sus redes y seguir a Jesús.
Muchas personas se sienten atrapadas en su realidad actual. Las metas profesionales, las presiones sociales y las responsabilidades familiares pueden hacer la vida difícil y desafiante. A menudo buscamos soluciones a corto plazo, pues creemos que nos traerán felicidad y satisfacción; pero, al final, sólo nos dejan sintiéndonos más vacíos. Mas, hay un camino diferente que podemos seguir - un camino que nos lleva a la felicidad definitiva y eterna. Es el camino de seguir a Jesucristo. La invitación de Jesús a Simón, Andrés, Santiago y Juan también es para nosotros. Ven y sígueme.
Sé que muchos ya están siguiendo a Jesús. Llevan una vida buena, van a la iglesia regularmente y hacen obras de caridad. Pero, ¿eres un pescador de hombres como dice Jesús? ¿Das buen ejemplo a los demás por la forma en que vives? ¿Invitas a otras personas a tener una relación con Jesucristo compartiendo la buena nueva?
Nuestra misión es proclamar a Jesucristo, invitar a otras personas a seguirlo y ver su presencia en aquellos que encontramos en nuestro caminar. No es demasiado tarde para que tomes un camino diferente al comenzar este año nuevo.
Reflection by:
Most Reverend Gregory L. Parkes is the fifth Bishop of St. Petersburg. Prior to his appointment to the Diocese of St. Petersburg, Bishop Parkes served as the fifth Bishop of the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee from 2012-2016. He was ordained to the priesthood for the Diocese of Orlando on June 26, 1999. Before answering the call to the priesthood, Bishop Parkes worked for several years in Tampa’s banking industry.
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