By Fr. Eric Asamoah
Capernaum is an ancient city on the northwestern shore of the sea of Galilee. Jesus lived in Capernaum, the region of Zebulun and Naphtali, also known as the Galilee of the Gentiles. Jesus performed many miracles and began His public ministry in this location.
Both Zebulun and Naphtali were integral to the history and spiritual heritage of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, contributing to the nation’s military, economic, and prophetic narratives.
These territories were conquered by the Assyrian Kingdom and became a mixed population. They were seen as spiritually dark due to their significant interactions with Gentile cultures.
The towns Zebulun and Naphtali, were referred to by Isaiah as a “people in darkness” dwelling in a “land of gloom.” And it’s there, in the land of darkness and gloom, that Jesus chooses His first disciples. The fact that he chooses to do so here of all places is very important!
By beginning His ministry in these areas, Jesus symbolized the inclusive of His mission, reaching out to those who are marginalized and often overlooked by the religious elite of Jerusalem. Jesus teaches in Capernaum; and the content of His magisterium is summed up in the words: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Mt 4:16).
“Repent.” The word is a command which means “to have second thoughts” or “to reconsider” a particular action or opinion. It could also mean, to see a light. To see a great light that comes from God that shines in our darkness to help redirect our path. Jesus would later refer to Himself as the light of the world.
When Jesus meets the disciples, they are on the lake fishing, doing their usual work, doing their business. They are trying to put food on the table and get things done. And as we read, Jesus comes to meet them there, in their environment. He enters into their everyday lives; He did not disqualify but rather He let His light shine in their darkness. Immediately they respond to His call and become the first disciples. Jesus commissions them to be light to the world.
Jesus is always coming to meet us, always coming to us along the shore of our lives, as He did with His first disciples. Whether it is at work or school or time off, whether it is convenient or inconvenient, He is always calling us. It isn’t just on Sundays or while we are at Mass, but every day. He invites us to follow him more closely today than yesterday, to be more passionate for Him tomorrow than we are today.