Mark 1:14-20: “When God calls, he gives us a Mission” “After John had been arrested, Jesus came 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 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.” As we reflect on today’s Gospel, we see how Jesus sought out those first disciples who would respond to him and the call he had on them before the foundation of the world. In another Gospel, we see how Jesus “had to pass through Samaria” (in order to reach a Samaritan woman at the well). God had plans for her—she later evangelized a village (John 4:4, 28-29). We see how the Apostle Paul was set apart before he was born and how God called him through his grace —to be his minister (Galatians1:15). Just as Jesus called the first disciples, throughout salvation history, God has been in pursuit of us, seeking to get our attention, with the desire to have a relationship with us and call us forth. Interestingly, when God encounters us, there is some sort of mission attached. When God saw Moses, he caught his attention through the burning bush, and gave him a mission to deliver the Hebrews from bondage in Egypt (Exodus 3:1-7); when God called Joshua he told him to be “strong and courageous” to complete the mission that Moses began (Joshua 1:6); when God called Gideon, he reminded him that he was infused with strength to deliver Israel from Midian (Judges 6;12-14). When God encounters us and reveals his call and mission to us, we will also grasp the meaning of “proclaiming the gospel”. Our gospel reading states, “Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the gospel of God”. As stated in the NAB commentary: “The gospel of Jesus Christ [the Son of God]: [is] “good news” of salvation in and through Jesus, crucified and risen, acknowledged by the Christian community as Messiah”. This, in other words, is the fulfillment of salvation history, the paschal mystery we are to experience at Mass, and our story for those around us. When Jesus encountered Simon, Andrew, James and John, they were infused with this gospel of good news, which prepared them for our Lord’s mission—to proclaim the revealed Messiah. Our Gospel reading also states: “This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.” As the NAB commentary notes, “the kingdom of God (or Heaven) refers to the “effective rule of God over his people”’. When Jesus encountered the community of Galilee and most notably his first disciples with the gospel and kingdom, our Lord also was asking them to surrender all for him. This meant repentance (a turning around) to allow the good news and his Kingdom to have rule. When Jesus encountered the disciples, he also said, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Then they abandoned their nets and followed him.” As our Lord encounters us and calls us out —whatever our vocation might be in life—are we willing to let go of all that prevents his kingdom to have “effective rule” over our lives? Our joy of the gospel and mission in life necessitates full surrender of the old. This can mean attitudes of the heart, sinful patterns that harm us, anxieties and cares that plague us, and our need to trust our Lord with all. Perhaps the following thoughts can assist us in receiving the fullness of the gospel and kingdom, to equip us for our Lord’s mission. (First main point): “Come after Me” *Spend time where the Lord is—in receiving the Sacraments as you are able *Spend time in meditation of the Sacred Scriptures. What does God want to say to you in the Scriptures? *Develop and strengthen your prayer life, which includes prayers of the heart and prayers given to us by the church. With an attitude of surrender, trustingly offer each day to God. (Second main point) “Then they abandoned their nets and followed him” As we are strengthened with the good news of the gospel and learn to live under the rule of God’s kingdom in our hearts, we can “stay tuned” to how God may desire to use us as his disciples wherever we are and through the gifts that he gives us. *During this time of pandemic, perhaps make a phone call or send an email to someone in our parish whom you have not heard from in a long time *Participate in virtual Catholic prayer groups and studies and invite others to attend *Check on neighbors who could be lonely or vulnerable and let them know you are there to help. In all the above, remember that as Jesus called his first disciples, he calls you and I and gives us a mission.