Mark 1: 14-20
After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!”
As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fisherman. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” At once they left their nets and followed him.
When he had gone a little farther, he saw James the son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, preparing their nets. Without delay, he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him.
A Thought
John had baptized Jesus with water, the Spirit descended upon him like a dove and immediately the Spirit sent him into the desert for forty days to be tempted of Satan. After John had been put in prison, Jesus declares that the time has come. The ministry of Jesus, to repent and believe the good news, is now started as he calls his first disciples, who were fishermen, to become fishers of men. We are all called to tell the gospel because the time of believing and repentance is today. If we are fishermen, we are to fish for souls. If we are teachers, we are to teach Christ, If we are farmers, we are to sow Christ. If we are builders, we are to build up Christ. If we are nurses, we are to care for others as Christ cares. If we are the Church, we are to tell the gospel. Whatever we are called to do, we are to work together to make disciples for Jesus Christ.
Our Prayer
Father thank you for giving us your son, Jesus the Christ. Thank you for your Spirit that calls everyone to believe and repent. Thank you that you equip each of us with your gifts and talents to share the gospel regardless of the tools of our trade given us to do work. Whether we are fishermen or engineers, we desire to make disciples for your kingdom. In Jesus’ name we ask that you empower us as your messengers filled with your word of hope, amen.
