3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

For grown-ups

This Sunday is about turning toward God and then following him. Jonah, reluctantly, tells the city of Nineveh to change course, and to his surprise they do, and God shows them mercy. In the Gospel, Jesus announces that God’s kingdom is near, then calls four fishermen, who leave their nets and follow him. Paul adds urgency: time is short, so don’t let lesser things crowd out what matters most.

Family life is full of nets: schedules, screens, chores and worries that keep our hands busy. Jesus does not ask us to abandon our families, but to make room for him in the middle of them. Following can be small and concrete: saying sorry first, pausing to pray before a meal, or choosing kindness when it is hard. Children often answer a call more quickly than adults. Let them see you say yes, and say sorry when you turn the wrong way, because turning back is always possible.

Dinner-table questions

1. Why do you think Simon and Andrew left their nets so quickly?
2. What is one kind thing you can do to follow Jesus this week?
3. How do you feel after you say sorry and start again?