Jesus begins his public ministry by calling fishers to leave their nets and follow him. In Jesus the kingdom of God has come near. We who have walked in darkness have seen a great light. We see this light most profoundly in the cross—as God suffers with us and all who are oppressed by sickness, sin, or evil. Light dawns for us as we gather around the word, the font, and the holy table. We are then sent to share the good news that others may be “caught” in the net of God’s grace and mercy.

“Fishing nets on Loc Binh beach” by Andrea Pistolesi, Hue, Vietnam. Photo copyright © Andrea Pistolesi/Stone Collection/Getty Images Plus via Getty Images. Used by permission.

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