I recently had the blessing of visiting Capernaum, a place that today lies in ruins yet continues to draw pilgrims from all over the world who come

 with deep devotion. In Jesus’ time, Capernaum was a vibrant crossroads of trade and culture. It was called the “meeting place of the nations.” Jews, 

 Romans, Syrians, and people from regions as far as Sidon in Lebanon came there to trade, and some settled  permanently. Life in Capernaum was

 fast-paced and diverse very different from the quiet, close-knit village of Nazareth, where Jesus grew up and where life followed the rhythm of Jewish

 feasts and traditions.

 It is deeply meaningful that Jesus chose Capernaum to begin his public ministry. From the very start, he was not only the Messiah for Israel but also the

 Savior for all peoples. By starting in such a diverse and bustling place, Jesus symbolically set the tone for his mission: a Kingdom marked by openness,

 welcome, and the challenge of encountering diversity.

 In this setting, we also witness a remarkable gesture: the call of Peter and Andrew, and James and John, the sons of Zebedee four fishermen who would

 become “fishers of men.” Rather than seeking learned scholars, the wealthy, or the powerful, Jesus chooses ordinary people fishermen, a tax collector,

 and even those  marginalized in society. He invites them to join him from the very beginning, demonstrating that faith,  attachment to him, and a

 willingness to follow are more important than status, education, or worldly  achievements.

 These first disciples responded immediately, leaving their nets behind to follow him. Their example reminds us that Christ’s call asks for courage, trust,

 and faith. As Peter later said in a moment of deep clarity:  “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life” (John 6:68).

 Through his choices and actions, Jesus shows us the heart of his mission:  “The Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost” (Luke 19:10).

 This message continues to challenge us today. Like the first  disciples, we are called to encounter Christ in our daily lives, to leave behind what holds us   back, and to participate in his  mission of love, mercy, and inclusion. We are invited to see beyond our familiar circles and to embrace diversity,   extending God’s Kingdom through our words and actions.

 May we open our hearts to the call of Jesus, trust in his  guidance, and carry forward his message of hope to all we meet.

 God is Good / All the time



 Rev. Yvans Jazon

 Pastor