Read: Jon 3:1-5, 10 1 Cor 7:29-31 Mk 1:14-20 (Pss III)

“As he made his way along the Sea of Galilee, he observed Simon and his brother Andrew casting their nets into the sea; they were fishermen. Jesus said to them, ‘Come after me; I will make you fishers of men.’” (Mk 1: 16-17)

Jesus’ call came with great grace. Their enthusiastic response is a strong indication of their willingness to abandon all to follow the Lord — while not understanding the implications.

Jesus said: “You are my friends if you do what I command you.” (Jn 14:21) When the rich young man asked Jesus how to attain eternal life, the man claimed he had lived in accord with the commandments, then Jesus responded: “There is one thing further you must do. Sell all you have and give to the poor. You will have treasure in heaven. Then come and follow me.” (Lk 18:22)

But that young man had many possessions and was incapable of abandoning all to follow Jesus. Jesus lamented the youth’s intransigence. We do not even know his name.

It is a great responsibility to have received an evident and powerful call from the Lord, a vocation to service for our God. It is a calling for us to participate in the work that the Father assigned to His Son: to carry the reign of God to His people.

Today, we have no lack of vocations: He is calling many hearts of so many people — especially the young. But human, earthly concerns, riches, carnal desires, etc., hold them back from responding wholeheartedly.

Reflection and commentary

Psalm 47:1 “All you peoples, clap your hands, shout to God with cries of gladness, for the Lord is the great king over all the earth.”