Monday, January 22, 2024  

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Scripture Reading
Mark 1:14–20

Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.” As Jesus passed along the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the sea — for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, “Follow me and I will make you fish for people.” And immediately they left their nets and followed him. As he went a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John, who were in their boat mending the nets. Immediately he called them; and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men, and followed him. (NRSV)

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Reflection

This is a small group of verses about which to write — only seven. Yet, there’s a lot going on here. John the Baptizer is in jail. He had completed his work. He had proclaimed baptism for repentance and for the forgiveness of sin. He had prepared the way for Jesus Christ, fulfilling prophecy. He declared that another would come after him who would not baptize with water but with the Holy Spirit.

Also, Jesus begins his ministry as he calls his first disciples. It is difficult for me to understand exactly why these four fishers would abandon their profession, their income, even leave their families to immediately follow Jesus. I mean, drop everything and “follow me” right now is difficult to imagine.

I have come to have profound respect for pastors and others who after some degree of discernment make a similar choice, although they do not often drop everything and everyone to follow their calling. I think of selfless vocations — first responders, health care professionals, those who defend justice or freedoms, teachers, and the like. To me, these are all callings.

We all have within us the ability to sense or feel the inner call to contribute to a greater good. The question is, do we have the courage, faith, or patience to respond to or accept our call? I wonder if during the civil rights era of the 1960s, would I have dropped everything for the worthy calling to follow Dr. King Jr. or the courage of Rosa Parks — or in the “Good News Gospel days”, to follow our Lord Jesus without question? People do give themselves up to callings, and the world is often better for them.

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Prayer
Lord God, may we all realize our own worthy calling with faith, courage, and caring. May we use our unique skills to do our part to make the world better. Amen.

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Written by Ken Gaines, Member of Fourth Presbyterian Church

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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