Family Bible Study - 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Gospel Passage
Matt. 4:12 Now when he heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew into
Galilee; 13 and leaving Nazareth he went and dwelt in Capernaum by the sea, in the
territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, 14 that what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah
might be fulfilled: 15 "The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, toward the sea,
across the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles-- 16 the people who sat in darkness have
seen a great light, and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death light has
dawned." 17 From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, "Repent, for the kingdom
of heaven is at hand." 18 As he walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers,
Simon who is called Peter and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they
were fishermen. 19 And he said to them, "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of
men." 20 Immediately they left their nets and followed him. 21 And going on from
there he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zeb'edee and John his brother, in
the boat with Zeb'edee their father, mending their nets, and he called them. 22
Immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed him. 23 And he went
about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and preaching the gospel of the
kingdom and healing every disease and every infirmity among the people.
Questions
1. Peter, Andrew, James and John left everything right away to follow Jesus
when He asked them to follow Him. If Jesus were to ask you to follow him as a
priest or as a nun, would you do it?

2. What do you think it means to be a “fisher of men.”

3. Jesus started preaching by saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at
hand.” Who else started his preaching with the same words? (Hint: see Matt
3:2). Why do you think Jesus used the same words?
used with permission - Fr. Roger Landry