The gathering of disciples was much in fashion in intertestamental times, that is, a century or two before and after the birth of Jesus. The great scribes before and after Jesus had their disciples. Even in the Old Testament we notice that some of the prophets had disciples. There were called “sons of the prophets.”

Last Sunday’s gospel reading included Jesus’ first visit to his hometown, Nazareth of Galilee. On the Sabbath this faithful Jew went to synagogue just as Christians go to church today on their Sabbath. Jesus was lector (reader) at the liturgy.

“It’s awesome,” seniors serving at St. Vincent de Paul Parish in St. Louis said of their first week of service. The two young men were anxious to meet and serve the poor and homeless that know help is available at St. Vincent’s, a parish known for its outreach.