We gather together today singing “Let us go to the altar of God, the God of our gladness and joy! Let us enter the courts of the house of the Lord and sing to the glory of God.” It was just a few weeks ago that we heard this song by the angels singing of the glory of God at His birth! Hopefully our voices are joining with the angels in praise of God as we gather in prayer!
This Sunday we are back to the Gospel of Mark – the main Gospel that is read during Cycle B in this liturgical year. We encounter the calling of the apostles at the Sea of Galilee this weekend: “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.” (Mark 1:17) How do we respond to this call when we hear it in our lives today? We hear this same question in our song at the preparation of the altar and gifts: “Come, follow me and live; do not be afraid. Believe and trust in me; your faith will give you strength. Leave all your fears behind you; let your heart be free, for I will be your guide. Oh, come and follow me.” Our communion song, “Come, Follow Me” provides some guidance as we ponder this question, too: “Will you come and follow me if I but call your name? Will you go where you don’t know and never be the same?” (“The Summons” by J. Bell) Are we allowing God to guide us on our daily path? Are we answering His call when we hear our name? Do we take our call out into the world? “Go make a difference… We are the salt of the earth, called to let the people see the love of God in you and me. We are the light of the world, not to be hidden but be seen.” (“Go make a Difference” by S. Angrisano)