January 24, 2021: Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Gospel Mk 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 fisherman. 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 father 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.

Reflection

In today’s gospel, we see Jesus continuing his ministry. In reflecting on this gospel, I tried to place myself in these scenes. What must it have been like to hear Jesus proclaim these words about the kingdom and about repenting? What would Jesus be specifically asking of me? My thought is that Jesus asked then and asks today for us to listen, really listen – have ears to hear – so that we can know in our life situation, what he wants of us. It seemed clear to the fisherman – Jesus wanted them to come after him. And they did it immediately! Perhaps Jesus’ calling isn’t quite as clear for us – Jesus is not physically present to us beckoning us to go with him. But in these times, he certainly continues to call us and if we listen – really take the time and the silence to listen – we will know his voice and his calling.

Action

We might reflect this week on the times in our lives when we knew Jesus was asking something of us – something as simple as giving a donation or sharing some time with a friend in need. Or maybe he asked for us to make changes in the direction of our life. How did we respond? How do we wish we had responded?