This gospel reflection is based on Matthew 4:12-23.

City by the Sea

To the northern shore of Galilee
To be with us, this Yesua came
Of whom we have heard so much
Yet now, nothing will be the same

Our Capernaum is now his home
This prophet whose words alone cure
Whose presence lifts our hearts
Whose works his power does assure

To fish and to live again each day
Has been our lot, as we’ve made do
And so we have fed our own each day
Yet all has changed, so much is new

This Jesua and his Holy Mother
This Nazorean carpenter’s son
Lifts us with words and wonders
Something entirely new has begun

He has called forth fisherman sons
To just leave and to follow him
As he teaches and works each day
Amazing signs and miracles begin

Our hearts are now so lifted
As too are our Sons who follow him
In Synagogue as his words do soar
Of a new law of love now we sing

Oh that this could be him, The One
Who from the Father is to come
Oh that from this town of ours
Prophecy’s fulfillment has begun

Our native sons now follow
First Andrew and Simon
Then James and John
Where this leads they do not know

 It is clear now that he is the One
The Son of David as foretold
And will do for us all, great things
Fulfilling all prophecy of old

Dear Jesus, as we see and hear
We too want to follow
To learn and to be set free
From burdens within and out
Help us to leave all behind
That which keeps us in this place
For we now hear God’s words
We now have seen salvation
In your holy face