And when Jesus had heard that John was delivered up, he retired into Galilee: And leaving the city Nazareth, he came and dwelt in Capharnaum on the sea coast, in the borders of Zabulon and Nephthalim; That it might be fulfilled which was said by Isaias the prophet: Land of Zabulon and land of Nephthalim, the way of the sea beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles: The people that sat in darkness, hath seen great light: and to them that sat in the region of the shadow of death, light is sprung up. From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say: Do penance, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. And Jesus walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea (for they were fishers). And he saith to them: Come ye after me, and I will make you to be fishers of men. And they immediately leaving their nets, followed him. And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets: and he called them. And they forthwith left their nets and father, and followed him. And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom: and healing all manner of sickness and every infirmity, among the people.
Matthew 4:12-23 (Douay-Rheims Bible)

Prayer Reflection

Dear Father your son caught a few fish himself and made them fishers of men as well. What about us in our time. Are we too, caught by Jesus and are we fishers of men also? I began to wonder then about those who go ice fishing or those who stand alone by the shore fishing. What do they think about as they wait for the fish to bite? Do they think of you dear Father and ponder the mystery of the universe? One would think fishers of fish are contemplatives when they fish alone. But we never know what they truly think about. Jesus, you came after these particular men because you knew what they were capable of, how they could draw people to you. When you touch our hearts dear Father, what are you asking of us to do for you? To go fishing and bring love and healing to those who are seeking to be caught by your love? You caught my heart and you have kept me in your living water. Like all the others who have been caught by the hook of love and mercy. Amen

Memorial of Saint Francis de Sales, bishop and doctor of the Church

But Jesus retired with his disciples to the sea; and a great multitude followed him from Galilee and Judea, And from Jerusalem, and from Idumea, and from beyond the Jordan. And they about Tyre and Sidon, a great multitude, hearing the things which he did, came to him. And he spoke to his disciples that a small ship should wait on him because of the multitude, lest they should throng him. For he healed many, so that they pressed upon him for to touch him, as many as had evils. And the unclean spirits, when they saw him, fell down before him: and they cried, saying: Thou art the Son of God. And he strictly charged them that they should not make him known.
Mark 3:7-12 (Douay-Rheims Bible)

Prayer Reflection

Dear Father your son Jesus had quite a trying time while he lived with us on earth. The unclean spirits knew him instantly and proclaimed him your Son. His healing of many left him little room to move about, let alone have time to cleanse himself of what he took from those he healed. Those moments when Jesus would spend time alone with you to refresh himself and to give to you the many hurts, diseases, and unclean spirits.But he told the spirits not to make him known, as it wasn't his time as yet. Jesus did your will dear Father and so very many wanted to be close to him for the love and healing that permeated from him, just by a simple touch. In our own lives when someone briefly touches our arm as we are speaking or just in passing, doesn't it let us know they care enough to reach out and touch. These people we read about also cared for Jesus to want to touch him and be healed by his love. Many are seeking exactly the love only you and your son can give, that alone is a healing balm.