Exploring the Sunday Gospel – Third Sunday before Advent

Today begins a new phase of the Church’s year. Today is the Third Sunday before Advent. The Gospel reading reminds us of our call into discipleship as we hear again how those first four disciples were called away from their trade as fishermen. Jesus called Simon and Andrew as they were casting a net into the sea; he called James and John as they were mending their nets. Called away from their trade as fishermen, Jesus equipped them to fish for people.

For those of you who wanted to do some thinking and preparation for today’s service during the preceding week, I invited reflection on the image of fishing nets. In today’s picture from his book, Teddy Horsley meets Jesus’ Disciples, Teddy Horsley is helping James and John mend their nets.

Lord Jesus Christ,
you called Simon and Andrew,
away from casting their nets to follow you;
you called James and John,
away from mending their nets to follow you.
Help us to leave behind
all that stands in the way of our calling,
that we may follow you
in obedience and love;
for you are our God.
Amen.

Next Sunday, the Second Sunday before Advent turns our attention to Mark 13 where Jesus foretells the destruction of the Temple. Renewing our call to discipleship also reminds us that some things have to be left behind. The image to help us prepare for next Sunday’s theme is demolition. You can find out more about that theme by looking at the Educational Resources and the Preparation Resources.

Preparation Resources

Family Resources