Follow: A Reflection on the Readings for the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

The video, "Follow: A Reflection on the Readings for the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time," features Layperson Lisa reflecting on the Gospel reading for the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time (0:00). She shares a personal anecdote about a challenging decision to leave her full-time job to volunteer at the St. Clair of Assisi Retreat Center, a choice she initially resisted due to fear (0:07-0:49).

Key takeaways from her reflection include:

• Divine Calling (0:50-1:28): Lisa recounts how a specific Bible passage, "They left their nets and followed him," resonated deeply during adoration, affirming God's call for her to abandon her livelihood and follow Him, much like the apostles Simon, Andrew, John, and James did.
• Fortitude and Trust (1:42-2:58): The reflection emphasizes the importance of fortitude, the courage to do what God asks, and to rely on Him rather than oneself. Lisa mentions St. Thérèse of Lisieux's "little way" and total abandonment to God, highlighting that God allows things to happen to draw us closer to Him.
• Discipleship in Action (2:59-4:31): After gathering His apostles, Jesus went out to heal, teach, and preach. Lisa asserts that all believers are called to be disciples, sharing Jesus with others, being a light in the darkness, offering an attentive ear to those in need, teaching about Jesus, and preaching the good news of God's love and the importance of prayer.
• Strengthening Fortitude (4:32-5:06): The video concludes by encouraging viewers to ask Jesus for a strengthening of their fortitude, a gift received at baptism, to overcome obstacles that prevent them from fully following Him, and to spread His kingdom as teachers, preachers, and healers.