Saint James Roman Catholic Parish issued the following announcement on July 12

First Day (07/16)

The Call of James ( Matthew 4:18-22)

As Jesus was walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon who is called Peter, and his brother Andrew, casting a net into the sea; they were fishermen. He said to them, "Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men." At once they left their nets and followed him. He walked along from there and saw two other brothers, James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John. They were in a boat, with their father Zebedee, mending their nets. He called them, and immediately they left their boat and their father and followed him.

Reflection

Mending their nets on the shores of the Sea of Galilee, James and John look up to see Jesus. And he calls them to do something totally new—to follow him; and to become something new as well—“fishers of men.” Why did Jesus choose fishermen for his first disciples? Perhaps because fishing takes strength, skill, persistence, and patience. Perhaps because fishermen live amidst the beauty and danger of the natural world, and understand their dependence on God. Perhaps because fishermen know when to work long, hard hours, and when to rest. An Apostle needs all these qualities as well.

When they hear the Lord’s call, James and John respond at once. They do not ask questions, finish the task at hand, or even consult with their father; instead, “immediately” they leave the old life behind and follow Jesus. For us, too, the call to discipleship usually comes in the midst of the humdrum patterns of our daily lives, when we are least expecting it. Are we ready to respond to the Lord’s call—to do something different; to become something new?

Original source can be found here.