Feast of Saint Andrew, Apostle

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In today’s gospel, Matthew 4:18-22, we witness an example of giving yourself to faith in Jesus. When Jesus approaches Peter, Andrew, James and John he asks them to put down their nets and follow him. Effortlessly, by the Sea of Galilee, the fishermen took their first steps in becoming disciples of Jesus. For they knew Jesus would equip them with much more than a net. Jesus would provide them with insight and direction much greater than their fishing trip that day. 

 

This gospel immediately sparked a light within me. Growing up my father has always been a fisherman. However, there were 15 years that he was forced to set aside his poles, nets and boat due to his illness. During the time of my father’s illness we all set aside many things to focus on prayer. We prayed as a family, made visits to the grotto and put our trust in our faith. Many nights were spent with my dad battling through his illness but we never gave up on prayer and continued to follow him through the worst of our storms. Fast forward to today, my father is finally able to get back to what he loves most, fishing. When my father’s doctors hear about him being able to go out on the fishing boats and fish they call it a medical miracle, but my family knows it is Jesus watching over us. 

 

Although 2020 has brought an immense amount of challenges to us, we must set down our worry and cast away with our Father. Through dark times we must lean on Jesus for comfort and guidance.

Mackenzie Iburg, SFC '17

Donor Relations Associate