1st Week in Ordinary Time (C) : Monday 13th January 2025

The call of the first disciples according to Mark was immediate, without any condition from Jesus. Nothing was laid down by Jesus. The inviting words of Jesus were so powerful that the disciples could not resist. They left their former work and immediately followed Him.

Mark’s Gospel began immediately describing the adult Jesus as entering the same phase of baptism as everyone else but with different intensity, it intends to invite adult readers to receive it with mature responsibility and purpose. All the more interesting is that Jesus preached the message that “the Kingdom of God has come, repent and believe the good news.” It is a continuation of the message preached by John the Baptist. To the people, the message is a great hope because John was now imprisoned and here is somebody who has raised their hope and is speaking up for them! The Letter to the Hebrews makes a reference about Jesus that “In the past, God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days, He has spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things.”

Surely, the four fishermen must have heeded Jesus’ command because, to them, when a prophet calls it is a great recognition, and not the other way when people have to ask to be accepted as disciples. The truth – Jesus is the central message of the call to discipleship.

Lord Jesus, free me from bias to see clearly Your call and courage to love boldly.