Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

“Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.”

 

Gospel Reading: 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.

 

Today is the first Monday of the first week of Ordinary Time.  However, today’s Gospel reading is about anything but ordinary.  Today, Jesus begins his three year mission by proclaiming the Gospel of God.  What is the Gospel of God – “The Kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the Gospel.”  These words are not ordinary words, but words of conversion.  The word repent comes from the Greek word “metanoia” which literally means a change of mind. In the context of Jesus’ proclamation, He is calling us to convert our minds to his way of thinking.  He is calling the Apostles to turn away from sin and to “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.” The gospel reading says that they immediately left their nets and followed him. They immediately made the decision to change their minds and follow him.  They didn’t hesitate in their decision. They heard the call of God and joined him on his mission to bring others into the kingdom of God. These men gave up everything to follow Jesus. Eventually, most of them would give up their lives. So why would they leave the comfort of their lives as fishermen to become followers of Christ. They did it because of the promise of eternal peace and salvation. They heard the good news about the kingdom of God and that promise was greater than the consequences they were about to face. We too are called by name to be fishers of men. We are called to be the light of the Gospel so others can see the Word of God. We are called to bring people into the kingdom of God. We are called to holiness.  Do you hear God’s calling?

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Lord God, the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

You have called me by name to be your servant.

Give me the strength to be your light and to lead others to you.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon