Last Sunday we heard the calling of the first disciples from the gospel according to John. Today we hear another account of their call from Matthew. There is a temptation to blend the four gospel accounts in the attempt to provide one coherent message. However the four gospel writers wrote at different times and, although Matthew and Luke likely had access to Mark’s account when they wrote, each has a particular audience in mind. To give an illustration: if you read an account of the hockey game last Saturday between Vancouver and Edmonton, although the score would be the same, a writer from Edmonton would give a rather different account of events than one from Vancouver!
So this week’s gospel passage again focuses, in part, on the calling of the first disciples. Although it appears from the account that Jesus just happened to walk by the Sea of Galilee and summoned these fishermen to join him, it is likely that it is not quite the whole story. It seems much more likely that Jesus had spent some time in the region, had seen and perhaps even got to know these people, perhaps as they sat mending their nets.
The calling of the disciples reminds us that all of us are called by God. Some people do have a direct call from God for a specific ministry, but the majority of us find out what God wants of us by more indirect means. As we all have gifts and experience, it is good that we offer those to the community in the service of God.
As we approach our annual meeting (Vestry) this is a good moment to think and pray about how you could offer your gifts to further the work of the parish, and the wider community.
Fr Stephen Rowe