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From Father Andrew Bahhi: Listen to Jesus with all your heart

February 17, 2019
in The Word
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I ask our heavenly father that he open our hearts and open our eyes, so we can see him and accept him in our life. We can accept him in our heart, because without his help and mercy we cannot actually see him and hear him in our heart.

Today is the last Sunday of the Epiphany, celebrating the baptism of Jesus Christ, then we have 3 Sundays and then the Great Lent.

Today’s text is really beautiful Luke 5:1-11, when Jesus calls His first disciples. It has so many meanings. I will try to focus on the very unique meaning with Peter, his brother Andrew, John and James.

According to the story, there were lot of people there, a multitude of several thousand, and they came to hear Jesus. Then, Jesus looked at the multitude and only saw two people – Peter, and his brother Andrew.

Why just those two? And Jesus saw them washing their fishing nets? It means Jesus only hears people who clean their hearts.

Then, he saw Simon (Peter). The Bible calls him Simon because his name in Aramaic means “The one who hears” or “the listener.”

People came to listen for real change in their heart. By calling him Simon, Jesus says “I know you personally by your name.” This part gives me so much joy because of this.

The message is Jesus knows each and every one of you by name.

In the book of Jeremiah 1:5, God says “I knew you before I formed you in the womb; I set you apart for me before you were born; I appointed you to be a prophet to the nations.”

How comforting is this idea to be known by God no matter what you do. He is always there, he will follow you and be your father.

And, again, in Isaiah 43:1, God says “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine.”

But the question – do we consider ourselves His?

If you are cleaning your heart. If you are a good listener. God will say “I know you and you know me.”

Jesus left the kingdom and came to the earth. He is knocking and calling your name. Let’s say “With you, Lord, my heart will be full of peace.”

Peter is an expert fisherman, and yet he trusted Jesus and said, “Because you said so, I will put out my net.” He then caught so many fish that the net was breaking.

Our net, our heart, will be full of grace, mercy, comfort, peace and Joy when we listen.

Learn more in Father Andrew’s sermon video here.

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