January 21, 2018: Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Reading:

After John had been arrested, Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the gospel of God:
“This is the time of fulfillment.
The reign 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 abandoned 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. (Mark 1:14-20)

Reflection:

Am I the only one who has a picture in my head of Jesus looking like a ranting crazy man coming into Galilee telling people to repent and believe? Come on — we have all seen those pictures in the newspaper of wild-haired, bedraggled men with hand-painted signs. And what a scary time for those who might consider coming close … John had just been arrested! And who just walks off and leaves their life and livelihood to follow someone like Jesus?

Action:

And yet, there is something deeply attractive, a quiet tug, a gentle voice that won’t be still.
He calls to us … “Come after me.”