Week 2 - January 25-31, 2026
To be “hooked on Jesus” means more than recognizing who He is—it means choosing to follow, even when we don’t yet understand where He will lead.
OPENING PRAYER
Heavenly Father, You are a God who speaks, calls, and invites. You do not force, but gently draw us into a relationship with Your Son. Thank you Lord for calling each of us by name. As we gather today, help us hear Your voice more clearly— above our fears, distractions, and doubts. Give us the courage to respond when Jesus calls our name and the trust to follow Him, even when the path is unfamiliar. Send Your Holy Spirit upon our time together, that our hearts may be open, our faith strengthened, and our lives shaped by Your call.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
CLICK TO READ THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE READINGS
THEME: To be "Hooked" on Jesus is to respond to His call.
- First Reading: God turns darkness and despair into light and joy through His saving presence. “The people who walked in darkness
- Psalm 27: “ The Lord is my Light and my Salvation”
- Gospel Reading: “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.”
GOSPEL INSIGHTS
In this Gospel, we see the first response to Jesus’ invitation. Two disciples hear John the Baptist point to Jesus and immediately follow Him. Jesus does not begin with a command or a lecture. Instead, He asks a simple but profound question: “What are you looking for?”
This question reaches beyond curiosity—it speaks to the deepest desires of the human heart. Jesus then invites them: “Come and see.” Their response is not perfect or fully formed, but it is willing.
To be “hooked on Jesus” means more than recognizing who He is—it means choosing to follow, even when we don’t yet understand where He will lead. This is a radical Trust. Like Andrew, we are also called to invite others into that encounter: “We have found the Messiah.” When we know Good News, we share with others. We know the Good News: Do we share it with others?
God’s call often comes quietly, through relationships, questions, and moments of invitation. The challenge is not whether God is calling—but whether we are listening and willing to respond.
QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION AND DIALOGUE
Take some time to reflect on this week’s message and discuss with your group:
- What “nets” might Jesus be asking you to leave behind?
- Why do you think the disciples followed Jesus so quickly?
- What fears or attachments make it hard to follow Jesus fully?
- How does Jesus call people today, especially in ordinary life?
- What would it look like for your small group or parish to be “fishers of people”?
- What can you do to help “cast the net” of faith to those in your community?
SCRIPTURE PASSAGES
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” —Matthew 11:28–30
“If any one thirsts, let him come to me and drink.” —John 7:37
PRAY
- Ask God for the grace to hear His call clearly & to grow in Trust.
- Spend 3 minutes of quiet- when you wake up asking God for the Gift of Trust
- Pray the Litany of Trust by Sisters of Life
- Pray for someone by name who may be seeking Jesus
ACT
- Take inspiration from the first disciples: Invite someone—through a simple word, text, or act of kindness— to experience Christ’s love this week.
- Sign up to join a ministry at the parish. Where may God be calling you to “cast your net?”
INSPIRE
- Bring a little light to someone’s day: Smile, hold a door, or perform a small random act of kindness that could brighten a stranger’s or friend’s day.
- Serve without being noticed: Do a chore, errand, or favor for someone without expecting thanks or recognition
- Is there someone you could invite to mass this week?
INTERSESSIONS FOR THE GROUP
Take some time to pray together for the persons or people on the Hearts of your small group members.
CLOSING PRAYER
Lord Jesus,
You call us not because we are ready, but because You love us.
Thank You for inviting us to follow You,
to walk with You, and to discover who we are meant to be in You.
As we leave this time together,
help us respond to Your voice with trust,
to follow You with open hearts,
and to invite others into the joy of knowing You.
May our lives be a living response to Your call,
and may we always be more deeply hooked on You.
We ask this in Your holy name.
Amen.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THIS WEEK'S GATHERING GUIDE
