Today Jesus is calling us just as He called His first apostles.

 
Reading: As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” At once they left their nets and followed him. Mark 1:16-18.
 
Good morning, happy Monday, and many blessings my dear family.  

The setting for today’s Gospel (Mark 1: 14-20) takes place immediately after John was arrested. Jesus is in Galilee proclaiming the Gospel. He announces to the people that the Kingdom of God is near. He preaches repentance to the people.

Mark’s Gospel is written to answer two questions: ‘Who is Jesus?’ and ‘What are Jesus’ disciples meant to be like?’ Yesterday’s Gospel is a response to the first question, with the additional fact that Jesus proclaims the Good News of God--not just any good news, but God’s good news for the world. Today we get the beginning of an answer to the second: anyone can be a disciple--spectacular gifts or education are not requirements for eligibility. What matters is availability and a willingness to follow where Jesus leads. Discipleship also involves a change in our values until they measure up to the values of Jesus.
 
What was it about this people Jesus that enticed these hardworking fishermen to leave their livelihood, families, and homes to immediately follow Jesus? Was it His charisma? Was it the message He was preaching? Or was it a call from deep within?

There are Kingdom people everywhere, that is, people who base their lives on love and justice, on peace and freedom, who belong to many faiths. They are Kingdom people because their lives reflect the spirit of God.
 
Also, John the Baptist, because of his arrest, is no longer in active ministry. His desire that Jesus rather than he should be center stage is now fulfilled (however unforeseen and unfortunate the circumstances). Notice how aware Jesus is of the continuity between himself and John. His preaching begins precisely where John left off: “The kingdom of God has come near; repent and believe in the good news”.
 
A Christian is a person who has a personal relationship with Jesus. The invitation to Peter, Andrew, James, and John is an invitation into such a relationship. “Follow me”: be with me, get to know me, enjoy my friendship. But also, share my mission. “I will make you fish for people”: you will teach and preach, heal, and serve, as I do. What a responsibility! But also, what a privilege.
 
Today Jesus is calling us just as He called His first apostles. What will our response be? Will we tell Jesus that “now” is not a good time? Will we give Him all the reasons why we can’t pick up and follow Him? Or will we place our hope and trust in Jesus as these first disciples did? Will we eagerly follow Him? I pray we will!
 
Blessings,
 
Luis+