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The Calling of the Disciples

Today's (1/10/2011 Mark 1:14-20) Gospel reading has really stuck with me and developed in my mind over the course of the day. I wanted to share what I have been contemplating about today as a result of the reading. Believe me, I understand that this sounds cliche. I love it when the readings force me to see the the truth and beauty of what all to often gets written off as cliche.

The first thing that struck me was verse 1:15 “This is the time of fulfillment. The Kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the Gospel.”  I love this. I think I am so attracted to this saying because it is the LORD Himself saying "Your time has not run out. You have another opportunity to come to me."  Think about it. This is Mercy. The day of the LORD has come. But you still have a chance to repent of the evil you have done and make amends with GOD. If this were not true I think Christ may have said something like "Too late, I am here and you are out of luck." Thank you, Jesus, for your Mercy.

Another thing that struck me was Jesus called the disciples from their ordinary everyday job. They were not holy men. They were not cloistered monks. They were not parish priests. They were just some hard working regular Joes so to speak. I don't know about you, but all too often I think "Man, if I were a recluse monk I would be some kinda prayer warrior." Or, "If only I could dedicate myself full time to helping 'the least among us' I would be all kinds of holy".

Well, I guess after today's reading I am out of excuses. Jesus called the Disciples from their everyday jobs. Guess where I will be tomorrow. You got it, at my everyday job. St. Peter, St Andrew, St James, and St. John pray for me that I might hear Jesus when he calls on me tomorrow at my everyday job and asks me to follow Him!
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Marinell said…
Excellent - very insightful and a great testimony to your own spiritual growth. It is up to each person to take Christ to others and we are all called to do that.
Love you,
Mom
January 10, 2011 at 9:29 PM
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