From the NABRE translation
Mk. 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 abandoned 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.
Today’s gospel is a difficult one in which Jesus begins his public ministry with the calling of his disciples (followers) who are to later be called apostles to go and be sent with a mission. Within this third Sunday of ordinary time we receive a foretaste of the upcoming Lenten season which will call us to repent as well as spread the kerygma (proclamation) and good news of the gospel to others. Repentance and acknowledgment of one’s wrongs is never easy, however our life is not one of a selfish nature if we wish to continue to carry the mark of Christian identity. This mark of being Christians is engrained upon our personhood at baptism in which we become united with one another in Christ Jesus!
A modern day Christian has to have just as much courage as the original followers of Jesus. Most of the original followers of Jesus were martyred for the faith. After all, in our Western culture we are led to believe that our individual rights supersede all else and that time for God and personal prayer and introspection where we examine the depths of our soul take second place.
As Saint Paul reminds us in the second reading from 1 Corinthians, the time we have is running out (1. Cor. 7:29). If we are still looking at making our New Year’s resolutions, have you asked yourself if you are going to make this year one where you desire sainthood in order to follow our Lord more closely by the life you lead? All of us should desire for not only ourselves, but those within our family and friends the goal and attainment of heaven with a most loving and compassionate God. However, it will take courage and sacrifice to follow Jesus and cast aside those habits and behaviors that don’t center ourselves toward God’s plan for our life. If we truly want to follow Jesus, the time is now.
StreetEvangelist 