The Call of the First Disciples

Today's Reflections 

 

                       

The Call of the First Disciples 

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Mk 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 left 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.

Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men. Jesus calls the first disciples. His call makes people aware of the fulfillment of God’s plan for them. His promise uses the metaphor of fishing, a deeper understanding of their own profession. This time, they will fish men and women who will become members of God’s kingdom.

Jesus’ call is addressed to every disciple. As Christians, we are imbued with the missionary spirit of spreading the Good News, witnessing to the liberating life of Jesus in our area of influence, so that more and more people will encounter Jesus in the very ordinariness of life.

In the First Reading, Elkanah, the would-be father of the prophet Samuel, is a very loving husband. Though Hannah suffers Peninnah’s reproach for her barrenness, Elkanah assures Hannah of his love. He gives her double portions to offer to God. Elkanah thus encourages Hannah to come to the temple. He is a righteous person who establishes right relations with people.

Do you have a personal advocacy

so that you become a Christian missionary

even in your own workplace?