At the bottom of the social structure were farmers and fisher-folk. Nothing has changed. Farmers and fisher-folk remain at the bottom of the social structure today.
In our lectionary reading this week Jesus calls fisher-folk to follow him in order to fish for people. Jesus does not call anyone to believe him. Jesus calls us to follow him. To do what? Fish for people. Many ancient peoples were afraid of the seas. But Jesus does not call us to fish people out of their fear of the deep.
During Jesus's time, the Empire owned the sea! Taxes were imposed on fishing, on boats, on nets. On everything! Jesus's call to fish for people is a call for us to follow him in taking out people from systems and structures that oppress, that dehumanize, that subjugate, that kill. The call has not changed.
People, especially the most vulnerable, are drowning in imperial waters. Jesus is calling us right now to follow him and fish for people.
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