Gospel Mark 1:14-20
After John had been
arrested, Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the Gospel of God: “This is the
time of fulfillment. The Kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the
Gospel.”
As he passed by the
Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting their nets into the
sea; they were fishermen. Jesus said to them, “Come after me, and I will make
you fishers of men.” Then they left their nets and followed him. He 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. Then he called them. So they left
their father Zebedee in the boat along with the hired men and followed him.
+ + + + + + +
Reflection:
A father would
always call his children to go home for lunch as they play in front of their
house. The moment the children hears his voice they would immediately pack
things up to respond to his call. Why? For the simple reason that she is their
mother the one who takes care of them, who feeds them and who gives her time
for them.
The four disciples
knew something that we don’t know. That’s why they responded to Jesus’ call.
Jesus did not promise them anything verbally but perhaps Jesus was silently
talking to them in their hearts. That if they would respond they would have a
new perspective about life and the afterlife. And if they would respond He would take care
of them for the rest of their lives.
What is it that
keeps us from responding to the call of Jesus? Are we afraid to lose our
financial security? Are we afraid to leave behind our family and friends? Are
we afraid to leave behind our vices and sinfulness? We are on a temporary
journey in this world, whatever worldly things that we presently have are
temporary and passing.
Jesus is calling us
to follow Him and leave whatever worldliness and sinfulness that we have for
Him. For example, the call would go this way: Follow me and leave behind your
sinful life, follow me and begin to live a fulfilled, peaceful and meaningful
life.
Perhaps, Jesus is
not asking us to leave our present environment and be with Him in another
place. Perhaps Jesus is telling us this: Follow me where you are today by
living behind whatever sinfulness that you are in right now. Never worry when
you do so for I will take care of you and will never leave you alone. – Marino
J. Dasmarinas
No comments:
Post a Comment