In today’s Gospel, we see Jesus walking along the shores of the Sea of Galilee. He notices Simon and his brother Andrew casting their nets into the sea, for they were fishermen. Jesus says to them, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Amazingly, they immediately leave behind their nets, their careers, their dreams, and follow him.
Jesus walks a little further and sees James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John. They too are in the boat, mending their nets. He calls them, and astonishingly, they leave their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and follow him. They abandon everything.
The saint we celebrate today, Saint Anthony Mary Claret, also left everything behind. Born in 1807 in Catalonia, Spain, and dying in 1870, he was deeply devout from a young age and drawn strongly to the priesthood. He felt an intense desire to serve God and proclaim the Gospel. Although he first trained as a weaver, his heart was set on spiritual work. He entered the seminary and was ordained a priest in 1835.
Saint Anthony’s vocation was marked by extraordinary zeal for evangelization and pastoral care. Just as Jesus called the apostles to be “fishers of men,” so too we are called to bring souls to God—to snatch them away from the hands of the evil one and lead them into the Kingdom.
Saint Anthony dedicated his entire life to spreading the Gospel and serving the poor. His ministry took him throughout Spain and eventually to Cuba, where he served as Archbishop of Santiago.
He faced many difficulties, including political opposition, but remained unwavering in his commitment to preaching, teaching, defending the truths of the faith, and reforming both clergy and laity. How often there is a need for renewal in the Church—not only among the people of God, but also among clergy and pastors, who are called to nourish the souls entrusted to them!
In today’s first reading from the Prophet Isaiah, we hear: “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings glad tidings, announcing peace, bearing good news, announcing salvation, and saying to Zion, ‘Your God is King.’” In other words, cast out every false god from your life. Make the Lord your first priority. Enthrone him in your heart, for he alone is the true King.
What stands out in the vocation of Saint Anthony Mary Claret is his courage and his prompt response to God’s call. Like the fishermen in today’s Gospel, he left behind ordinary pursuits and personal security in order to follow Christ. He completely committed himself to proclaiming God’s Kingdom wherever the Lord sent him.
Let us ask the Lord to make us, too, dedicated and joyful labourers in his vineyard, so that we may plant seeds of hope, love, and faith, and bring the Good News to all people of peace and goodwill.
May Almighty God bless you all through the intercession of Saint Anthony Mary Claret.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
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