January 25, 2009

How is Jesus calling you to follow him this week?

As Jesus passed by the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the sea; for they made their living by fishing. Jesus said to them, “Follow me and I will make you fishers of people.” Immediately they left their nets and followed him. He walked along a little farther and saw James, the son of Zebedee, and John his brother who were in their boat mending the nets. Immediately he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants and followed him. (Mark 1:16-20)

Did the apostles drop everything and immediately follow Jesus? I’m sure they did not. The gospels leave out a lot of details. Gospels contain important information. The point in this gospel passage is that the apostles responded to Jesus’ invitation. As Christians we are called to be totally committed to following Jesus. We are to follow the teachings and example of Jesus; that includes putting aside selfishness so God can be at the center of our lives. Being a good Christian takes a lifetime. We don’t always do what Jesus’ asked of us. The important thing is that we keep trying. Jesus’ vision of the world was a place of peace, where mercy and compassion would replace hatred and revenge, where racism and other things that separate people would be eliminated. At your baptism you were invited to follow Jesus. Even though you are young and don’t have the responsibility of adult Christians, you can follow Jesus in many ways.

Action:

What does following Jesus mean for you today? What should you do this week? How is Jesus calling you to follow him this week? Choose something and do it to the best of your ability.