The Call of the First Disciples [January 22, 2012]

The Sunday Gospel [January 22, 2012]

Mark 1:14-20

14After John had been arrested, Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the gospel of God: 15 “This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.”

16As he passed by the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting their nets into the sea; they were fishermen.17Jesus said to them, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.” 18Then they abandoned their nets and followed him.19He walked along a little farther and saw James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John. They too were in a boat mending their nets. 20Then he called them. So they left their father Zebedee in the boat along with the hired men and followed him.

Reflection

“They left their nets and followed him.” ~ v. 18

The almighty Creator reached down and called finite, fallen people to follow him – and it touched them to the depths of their hearts. We shouldn’t be surprised at this. In fact, we should expect God’s intervention to cause some sort of disturbance. Jonah was challenged to move beyond what he thought were capabilities. The disciples also struggled for a long time to understand Jesus and his calling. Yet in both situations, God formed them into true servants.

Our Father wants each of us to be witnesses to his gospel and servants of his kingdom. No matter how well-educated or how dedicated we may be, God’s call will inspire us to go further. It may not be as dramatic as it was for the disciples or for Jonah. It may occur over the course of many months, or even years. But it will happen. One by one, our ideas will change to match Jesus’ ideas.

This process of transformation may not always be enjoyable, but it will be fruitful. If we try our best to be faithful in the little things God ask of each day, we will be changed over time. God will form us into disciples capable of making a difference in the world, just as the apostles and prophets did. All he’s looking for are humble, open hearts.

Source: The Reflection is from Bro. Abel Navarro (you can visit his blog at http://myblogabelnavarroabel.blogspot.com/).