Pastor's Note from Fr. Szparagowski 📝 - [Jan 25th Bulletin]

Dear St. Philip Neri Friends and Family,

We give praise and thanks to God for the graces and blessings He has given us!

Today's Gospel marks a pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry. After John the Baptist is arrested, Jesus begins His public mission. He goes to Galilee and proclaims a simple but powerful message: "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." These words are not spoken in anger or condemnation. They are an invitation. God's kingdom is close. God is acting. Now is the time to turn our hearts toward Him.

Immediately after this proclamation, Jesus calls His first disciples. He sees Simon Peter and Andrew casting their nets into the sea, then James and John mending theirs. These are ordinary men doing ordinary work. Yet Jesus looks at them and says, "Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men." The gospel tells us something striking. They left their nets at once and followed Him. This response can seem surprising. They do not ask many questions. They do not ask for guarantees. They do not delay. They simply go. Their willingness teaches us something important about the nature of discipleship. Following Jesus requires trust. It requires letting go of what we cling to so tightly and placing our lives in His hands. The nets they left behind represent security, identity, and routine. Then Jesus calls, they choose Him above everything else.

The first reading from the Prophet Isaiah sheds light on this moment. Isaiah speaks of a people who lived in darkness but have seen a great light. This prophecy is fulfilled in Jesus. He brings light into places of uncertainty, fear, and confusion. When the disciples respond to His call, they are stepping into that light. They are choosing hope over fear and faith over familiarity. Saint Paul, in the second reading, speaks to the Corinthians about unity. He urges them to be united in mind and purpose and warns against divisions. This call to unity is deeply connected to today's Gospel. When we follow Christ, we do not walk alone. We become part of His Body, the Church. Discipleship is not just a personal relationship with Jesus. It is a communal way of life rooted in love, humility, and shared mission.

Today's readings challenge us to ask ourselves some honest questions. How do we respond when Jesus calls us? Do we listen, or do we delay? Do we trust Him enough to let go of the things that keep us from following fully? Our nets may not be fishing nets, but they can be habits, fears, distractions, or attachments that hold us back. Jesus does not call us because we are perfect. He calls us because He loves us and sees who we can become.

This Sunday also holds special significance because January 25 is the Conversion of St. Paul--traditionally associated with the call to conversion and mission in the Church. It reminds us that the Christian life is always dynamic. We are always being called, always being invited to grow deeper in faith and more generous in love. Repentance is not just about turning away from sin. It is about turning toward Christ again and again. Just as the apostles had to do during their lives.

The apostles did not know where following Jesus would lead. They did not yet know about the Cross, the Resurrection, or the spread of the Gospel to the ends of the earth. They simply trusted the One who called them. That same Jesus calls each of us today. Jesus calls us to follow Him in our families, our workplaces, our parishes, and our communities. Jesus calls us to be witnesses of His love through kindness, forgiveness, and service.

Brothers and sisters, the kingdom of heaven is still at hand. Jesus still walks into the ordinary moments of our lives and invites us to follow Him. Let us ask for the grace to respond with our courage and trust. Let us place our lives in His hands, confident that He will lead us into the light and make us instruments of His love for the world.

Please invite someone to Mass today. St. Philip Neri, pray for us. Have a blessed day!

Fr. Szparagowski