3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A
In our reading, Paul tells us that there may be many messengers but the same message which comes from God.
In our Gospel, Jesus starts gathering his disciples - Peter, Andrew, James and John - who are fishermen. He calls to them
“Come, follow me. From now on you will be gathering people instead of fish.”
They all leave their fishing nets right away and follow Jesus. What would you do?
Special Saint/Feast Day: St. William of Bourges – January 23rd
William came from a wealthy French family. As a boy, he loved to pray and study. When he was older, he became a monk with the Cistercian Order. The other monks admired him, even though he wasn’t trying to impress anyone.
William had a great devotion to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament and he was always happy.
He became abbot (leader) of his community of monks. He was later chosen to replace the archbishop after he died. He was grateful to be a bishop but unhappy because of the attention he would receive. He kept humble by doing penance for his own sins and asked God for the conversion of sinners.
Archbishop William would travel all over his diocese celebrating the Eucharist and preaching the faith. He visited the poor and sick, consoling them and reminding them of God’s love for them.
Archbishop William died on January 10, 1209. Miracles were reported by people who prayed at his tomb.
Even though St. William had an important position as an archbishop, he was humble. He never thought he was more important than other people. We can ask St. William to help us when we feel like showing off or acting like we know more than others.