Gospel: 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 abandoned 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:

Our gospel for today talks about how Jesus got His apostles. Jesus himself is a fisherman but instead of catching fishes, He catches people to follow after Him. Those who heard His voice abandoned their nets and followed Him without any hesitation. They believe He is the messiah that they are waiting.

We must be like the apostles and the disciples of Jesus. It is said that “Faith is to believe in what we do not see” and I definitely cling to this saying. Even though we don’t see God within our naked eyes but just the feel of Him will make us contented.

If we want to follow Jesus, we need to abandon the life we currently have and live to His likeness and image. The nuns in the convents abandoned their families to follow God. The priests abandoned their families and left everything to offer their services to God. How can we as an ordinary individual offer ourselves to Him? It is simple and clear: we have to live the way Jesus lived. This means to offer our lives in doing good here on earth.

We are more likely to serve God in all we do because we are gifted by God with all the abilities that the animals didn’t have. We are special and we must use our gifts to help others. We must offer our services for the benefit of all. We must abandon our previous lifestyle and follow the footsteps of Jesus. Man is created in the image and likeness of God so we are very unique.

In this time of pandemic, instead of wasting our hard earned money on other things, why not offer a little amount of it to help the poorest of the poor and the handicapped. A very little amount will be very big in the eyes of God as long as it is heartily given and offered. Instead of finding happiness in drinking liquors, playing pokers and other gambling games, why not offer the amount to the church or to the neediest ones. This is our calling and everyone deserves a second chance. Let us take care of our souls by being the disciples of Jesus here on earth. – Clea | Helpline PH