This week’s Gospel from Matthew relates how Jesus called His first disciples. They were not of noble birth or politically powerful, but rather simple fishermen. And there was no “let me think about this for a minute” response from them. The Gospel says “at once they left their nets and followed Him.” Think of poor Zebedee whose sons, and probable heirs of the business, just got up and left him sitting in the boat! How could these 4 men walk away from a lucrative occupation, giving up everything they had, to follow a man unknown to them? Imagine the mystical power of Jesus that touched the hearts of these men so that, without hesitation, they joined Him in this journey!

We all have been called by Christ by virtue of our Baptism. When the sign of the cross is made on our foreheads, we are claimed for Christ and are called to follow Him, wherever that may lead us. This call is reaffirmed at Confirmation when the sign of the cross is again made on the forehead. Even though we may know something more about Jesus than these early disciples, there is still an unexplainable attraction that compels us to follow Him into unchartered territory.

This year, there are 5 men and women in the RCIA program who have heeded this call of Jesus and are following Him. They have taken the first steps on a journey into the unknown. They are listening and learning, and discerning where this call may lead them. By completing the initiation sacraments at the Easter Vigil, they will receive the graces and blessings of being disciples of Christ. Please pray for them, and for all of our faith community!

Carla LaBore, Adult Faith Formation Coordinator