A reading from the gospel according to Mark 1:14-20:
14 After John had been arrested, Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the Gospel of God:
15“This is the time of fulfillment. The Kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the Gospel.”
16 As he passed by the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting their nets into the sea; they were fishermen.
17 Jesus said to them, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.”
18 Then they left their nets and followed him.
19 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.
20 Then he called them. So they left their father Zebedee in the boat along with the hired men and followed him.
Reflection: The Call
Jesus proclaimed the Gospel of God. It is God’s Words that Jesus preached. It is not about any other good news but the message of God to the world which is the plan of salvation as fulfilled in His only Son Jesus Christ. That is why when Jesus asks us to believe in the Gospel, it is the same as saying that we must believe in Him.
*****Repentance is the first requirement to enter into the Kingdom of God. It means to turn away from sin and to turn towards Jesus and to leave behind our old way of living and to start anew with love, faith and hope as the main characteristics of our behavior.
*****When Jesus claims that the Kingdom of God is at hand, He is practically saying “Here I am to save you and your household. Start believing.” It is at hand because He was literally in the midst of people and they can reach out to him and be filled with joy and peace. That is why when Jesus travelled from town to town, He brought enlightenment as He taught with authority, gave sight to the blind, healed the sick, cast out demons, fed the hungry and even raise the dead to life again. All of these are manifestations of the Kingdom that Jesus inaugurated.
*****Yet Jesus cannot build up the Kingdom alone. So He called and trained some people to help Him. Starting with four fishermen namely Simon, Andrew, James and John, He formed a community of 12 Apostles to become the nucleus of the Kingdom. Read again the passage above and see how the initial four Apostles left everything to follow Jesus. They did not have any reservation at all. They just followed! Maybe Jesus wants to form a small community in your city or village. Maybe He is calling you to become one of the first servant leaders. Listen to His voice.
*****
In this gospel narrative, we witness the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry. After John was arrested, He came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God. This passage is a powerful call to action and a beacon of hope. Jesus declares that the long-awaited time has arrived – the kingdom of God is no longer a distant dream but a present reality. His words, “repent and believe in the gospel,” are not just an invitation but an urgent appeal to turn away from old ways and embrace a new path of truth and life.As Jesus walked by the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew, fishermen casting a net. He called to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Immediately, they left their nets and followed Him. Further along, he called James and John, who also promptly left their father and joined Jesus.
This story is a testament to the compelling nature of Jesus’ call. It speaks of a radical commitment and a willingness to leave behind the familiar to embark on a journey of faith. The immediate response of these first disciples illustrates the transformative power of Jesus’ presence and words.
In today’s world, this passage is a reminder that the call of Jesus is ever-relevant. It invites us to reflect on our priorities and commitments. The kingdom of God is here, and the opportunity to be a part of this divine narrative is open to all who dare to believe and step forward in faith. Are we ready to leave our nets, whatever they may be, to follow a path that promises not just a new way of living but a new way of being?
*****
The call of Jesus to His first disciples is a powerful moment that resonates across centuries. It reminds us of the transforming power of God’s invitation and the courage it takes to step into His purpose. In this passage, Jesus begins His ministry in Galilee with the proclamation: “The time has come,” He said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!”
This declaration signals a turning point. The kingdom of God is no longer a distant hope — it has arrived through Jesus, bringing salvation, grace, and the promise of new life. For us today, the same message calls us to respond with urgency and faith.
The Call to Leave Comfort Behind
As Jesus walks by the Sea of Galilee, He sees Simon and Andrew casting their nets into the water. They are fishermen, ordinary men engaged in the work that sustains their lives. Yet, when Jesus says, “Come, follow me, and I will send you out to fish for people,” they immediately leave their nets and follow Him.
This immediate response is both striking and inspiring. Simon and Andrew do not hesitate or negotiate. They leave behind their livelihood, their security, and the familiarity of their daily routines to follow someone they have just met. This moment shows us the essence of faith: trusting God enough to let go of what we know and stepping into the unknown.
For us, leaving our “nets” might mean releasing fears, habits, or priorities that keep us from fully embracing God’s call. It might mean stepping away from comfort zones or surrendering control over plans and outcomes. Whatever our “nets” may be, Jesus invites us to trust that what He offers is far greater than what we leave behind.
The Call to Purpose
When Jesus calls Simon and Andrew, He doesn’t simply invite them to follow Him—He gives them a purpose: “I will send you out to fish for people.” Jesus transforms their identity from fishermen to fishers of men.
This new purpose is not just for Simon and Andrew but for every believer. As followers of Christ, we are called to participate in His mission of spreading the good news, showing love, and making disciples. Our individual callings may look different—some may serve in ministry, others in workplaces, homes, or communities but the purpose remains the same: to bring others closer to Jesus.
To embrace this purpose, we must allow Jesus to reshape our priorities. Like James and John, who left their father and their boats to follow Jesus, we may need to release attachments that compete with our commitment to Him. It’s not about abandoning responsibilities but reorienting our lives around His kingdom.
The Call to Trust
Following Jesus is not always easy. Simon, Andrew, James, and John did not know where this journey would lead, but they trusted the One who called them. This trust sustained them through trials, challenges, and uncertainties as they became witnesses to God’s transformative power.
For us, trust means believing that Jesus is enough. When we face uncertainty or fear, we can rely on His promise to be with us. He doesn’t call us to follow Him in our own strength but equips us with His Spirit to guide and empower us.
The Invitation for Today
Jesus’ call to “Come, follow me” is as relevant now as it was on the shores of Galilee. He invites us to a life of deeper faith, greater purpose, and bold trust in His plan.
What is He asking you to leave behind? Where is He calling you to go? The answers may not always be clear, but His presence is certain.
Let us respond to His call with the same willingness and urgency as the first disciples. Let us trust that what He offers including eternal life, unshakable purpose, and unending love, is worth everything we might leave behind.
Today, the kingdom of God is near. Will you answer the call?
