Monday, January
14, 2002
1st Week in Ordinary Time
1st
Reading: 1 S 1:1-8
Gospel: Mk 1:14-20
After John was arrested, Jesus went into Galilee and began preaching the
Good News of God. He said, "The time has come; the kingdom of God
is at hand. Change your ways and believe the Good News."
As Jesus was walking along the shore of Lake Galilee, he saw Simon and
his brother Andrew casting a net in the lake, for they were fishermen.
And Jesus said to them, "Follow me, and I will make you fish for
people." At once, they left their nets and followed him. Jesus went
a little farther on and saw James and John, the sons of Zebedee; they
were in their boat mending their nets. Immediately, Jesus called them
and they followed him, leaving their father Zebedee in the boat with the
hired men.
Commentary
The time has come. The establishment has killed the "greatest man
born of a woman," John, the latest prophet. "Now is my time"
Jesus seems to think. He personalized the Kingdom and now is the time
to establish God's Kingdom on earth. Let's go, hurry up Simon, Andrew,
and you, James and John! Right now, Jesus is calling you, too, to leave
something or someone behind. Be not afraid, have courage. Your attitudes,
your work, your places, even your name will be changed, like it happened
with the first disciples the Lord called to follow him. Like in their
case, your generosity and prompt response will make a difference for the
cause of God's plan. Missionary Congregations and Christian communities
are praying and searching for more committed workers. Am I doing enough?