Good morning to my younger friends at Emmanuel! I hope you all have had a good week. I am so happy to be with you all this morning talking about our Gospel. 

In our Gospel Jesus is preaching in Galilee which is near the sea. And he tells people “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.” This means that because Jesus has arrived, a new time is here. A time of goodness, kindness and love. He was inviting people to join him in this new way of living and walking in love. 

When he sees some fishermen out in the sea, he calls to them “Follow me and I will make you fish for people.” Now he mentions fishing because he knows that these fishermen will understand what he is saying since they fish all the time.

Do you all know what fishing is? Do any of you have a toy like this? Or this? Then you might know what fishing is too. What do you think Jesus meant when he said “Follow me and I will make you fish for people.” Hmm I wonder. 

I think he meant that we should love people and try to bring them closer to Jesus by loving them. I don’t think he meant we had to catch people.

I wonder how you can fish for people? How can you love the people in your life? How can you bring people closer to Jesus?

Perhaps you can clean your room for your parents? Help your brother or sister when they are upset? You can talk to someone new at school? Maybe there is a way you can show some love to your teacher? I know you all will find some wonderful ways to fish for people. Amen.

Uncategorized Children's Homily Clergy Epiphany Parishioners Podcast The Rev. Grace Pratt