Mark 1:14-20
This week’s Gospel describes the call that Jesus gave to those who were ready for a change.
John had been arrested and now Jesus begins to continue the message himself that John had begun.
Change and believe in the Good News! The Kingdom of God is near
What happened to these soon-to-become disciples and followers of Christ? They were ready for a change. The daily routine had become dry. Fishing with no gain, mending nets that kept breaking and trying to fix what was broken. They needed an infusion of new life.
The second reading this week (1 Corinthians 7:29-31) tells us to separate our attachment to earthly things and focus on something greater. Like the Apostles and as found in Paul’s sage advice, we do live in the world, a world with responsibilities, work, connections to others, and good times mixed with the not so good. However, the need to understand our priorities and know that in following Christ Jesus, we don’t need to be in control or to solely depend on earthly attachments for a complete life, is important. Paul says, “For the present form of this world is passing away”
God meshes with our lives. Great things happen when we mix with God. Jesus was inviting these fishermen into a life of change, of new relationships with God and others. He wanted to make them fishers of people. They accepted the invitation. Are we always alert enough to do the same? Do we need an infusion of new life? Can we be someone who allows oneself and invites others to walk with God? Watch for God’s invitation in your life.
Reflection:
Do you sometimes feel like the Apostles, that you are constantly “untangling and mending the nets” of your life, the ones that keep you from breaking free? ( We all know the things that keep us entangled) Can you think of a time in your life when you were given the opportunity by someone or some circumstance that allowed you to leave something behind and seek new life? What made you move forward? Did you feel that God was providing a spiritual clue for you, one that would bring you to wholeness? ( ….taken from the CrossWord Christian, Keys to the Puzzle of Discipleship by Jim Dunn)
Jim Dunn
Blessèd Blending
January 16, 2018