Today's Gospel in Art - I will make you into fishers of men

Net Yokohama, Art installation by Numen/ForUse collective, Japan © Numen/Christian Art

Gospel of 24th January 2021 - Mark 1:14-20

After John had been arrested, Jesus went into Galilee. There he proclaimed the Good News from God. 'The time has come' he said 'and the kingdom of God is close at hand. Repent, and believe the Good News.'

As he was walking along by the Sea of Galilee he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net in the lake - for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, 'Follow me and I will make you into fishers of men.' And at once they left their nets and followed him.

Going on a little further, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John; they too were in their boat, mending their nets. He called them at once and, leaving their father Zebedee in the boat with the men he employed, they went after him.

Reflection on the Art Installation

Today's Gospel reading where Jesus is telling His disciples that He will make them fishers of men, reminded me of this art work by Croatian-Austrian design collective Numen/ForUse. It was on display in Yokohama, Japan and as the photo illustrates, it almost looks like people are being caught in fishing-nets. The inflatable space is filled with black nets inside and invites visitors to climb around the space and bounce. It's like an adult bounce-house. These nets bring joy to the visitors of the art installation.

So do the fishing-nets of Jesus bring joy. I went fishing with my cousin a few times when I was a boy. I must admit I didn't have much patience to sit there waiting to catch a fish, but once a fish was caught, it brought us so much joy and excitement. Being Christian and trying to bring people to God is similar. There is amazing joy in seeing a person come to faith in Jesus Christ. But it does indeed require patience. You throw out a fishing line or a net, and then you wait; you throw it out again, and you wait again… In that, fishing is different from hunting. Fish are patiently drawn in; hunting is somewhat more aggressive.

But we can only be successful in our fishing expeditions if we keep our nets in good order. The text in today's Gospel where it says that James and John 'were mending their nets' isn't accidental. It is symbolic for all of us, to keep our nets in good repair in order to be successful on our mission. A mission we can only complete with Christ. He is the one who turns us into fishers. Notice the specific words of Jesus: He doesn't say: 'Follow me and you will be fishers of men'; no, He says: 'Follow me and I will make you into fishers of men'…

LINKS

Today's story - https://christian.art/en/daily-gospel-reading/680
Christian Art - www.christian.art/index.php