Gospel (Mark 1: 14–20): Invitation to Repent and Believe
Introduction: Jesus proclaims that now the Kingdom of God is at hand and invites people to repent and believe the Good News. Mark gives examples of four people who did this.
I Reading (Jonah 3: 1–5, 10): Threat & Response
At the Lord’s command Jonah preached repentance to the people of Nineveh and they obeyed. God spared them the disaster which he had threatened.
RespPs. 24
Introduction: A prayer, in response to God’s invitation to repent, that we may know and follow God’s way in our lives. This prayer is full of confidence based on God’s past record in showing mercy.
II Reading (I Corinthians 7: 29–31): Time is Short
Introduction: Paul stresses that our time is growing short; the world as we know it is passing away. He gives five examples of how all of us can be forgetful of this, to our detriment. We need to live lives of detachment from worldly affairs so that we will be ready for the Second Coming of Christ.
GOSPEL TEXT — Mark 1:14–20
Setting
14 Now after John was arrested,
The Time is fulfilled
Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, 15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent, and believe in the gospel.”
Call of Simon and Andrew
16 And passing along by the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon casting a net in the sea; for they were fishermen. 17 And Jesus said to them, “Follow me and I will make you become fishers of men.” 18 And immediately they left their nets and followed him.
Call of James and John
19 And going on a little farther, he saw James the son of Zeb’edee and John his brother, who were in their boat mending the nets. 20 And immediately he called them; and they left their father Zeb’edee in the boat with the hired servants, and followed him.
EXPLANATION: GOSPEL TEXT — Mark 1:14–20
14 Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, 15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent, and believe in the gospel.”
Now after John was arrested, — Mark’s Gospel opens with John the Baptist in the wilderness of Judea preaching “a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins” in the River Jordan. Among those who came to be baptised was Jesus. He also would baptise but with the Holy Spirit and not just with water like John (Mk. 1: 1–8).
Jesus would be baptised by John who would refer to him as “the one who is coming after me” (Jn. 1: 26). That would be John’s last public action before his arrest when he would leave the scene permanently. For Jesus this arrest would be an indication of God’s will for him to commence his “preaching the Gospel of God”, knowing that a similar fate lay in wait for him. As early as the end of the first section of Mark’s Gospel we read: “The Pharisees went out and immediately held counsel with the Herodians against him, how to destroy him” (Mk. 3: 6). Apprehension or fear of the future did not deter him. “The Gospel of God” had to be preached.
Jesus came into Galilee, — “Galilee” is the northern section of Palestine, about 50 x 30 miles in size. Before and after the time of Jesus it was regarded as unimportant (Jn. 1: 45–46; 7: 45–52), by the Jews of Judea in the south of the Holy Land, largely because of the number of Gentiles or non–Jews, who lived there. Herod the Great and Herod Antipas did rule there and are mentioned in the gospels. Jesus grew up in Nazareth; eleven of the apostles were Galileans, Judas Iscariot being the exception. Other towns in Galilee were Cana, Capernaum and Tiberias.
This verse in Mark’s Gospel shows us that Jesus “came into Galilee” from Nazareth (Mk. 1: 9). He would remain preaching until the beginning of chapter 10 on his journey to Jerusalem.
preaching the gospel of God and saying — This verse contains Jesus’ first public words and, therefore, very important, his inauguration speech as it were. For Mark, “preaching the gospel of God” means the following four parts to this preaching that comes from God:
(i) “The time is fulfilled, — There are two Greek words for this expression; one referring to human time and the other to God’s directed time. It is God’s directed time that is mentioned here by the Greek word. It is the good news “of God”. It is the fulfilment of all the Old Testament prophecies. It is the fulfilment of time in God’s plan.
(ii) “and the kingdom of God is at hand”; — This is the first great theme, the core of the Gospel in Mark.
In God’s eye everything has been fulfilled and he is ready with his Son to bring the Kingdom from heaven into the world to be established there. The Commandments, the Sermon on the Mount with the beatitudes and the teaching of Jesus will be the great guidelines for those joining the Kingdom. This Kingdom of God was foretold in the Old Testament and for over 1,000 years the Israelites, especially through the prophets, looked forward to this coming. Simeon and Anna were two of the prophets mentioned in the New Testament (Lk. 2: 22–38). History is being fulfilled and a radical response is most important from each person now that the Kingdom is “at hand”.
What is the kingdom of God? The word “kingdom” means something more than a territory or realm. It literally means “sovereignty”, “reign” or “kingship”. God’s kingdom is universal and everlasting, a kingdom of glory, power, and splendour. In the Book of Daniel we are told that this kingdom is given to the Son of Man, a Messianic title for God’s anointed King. The New Testament word for “Messiah” is “Christ” which literally means the “Anointed One” or the “Anointed King”. The core of the gospel message is the good news of the kingdom of God. This is the central theme of Jesus’ mission. God sent his Son to overthrow the kingdom of darkness and to bring us into the kingdom of his marvellous light
God the Father’s will was that he would raise up people who would share in his divine life and belong to the family of God. Through his death and resurrection he would accomplish the establishment of the Kingdom; through his apostles and disciples he would gather people around Christ the King: “And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself.” (Jn. 12: 32). His special invitation to join him as disciples was extended to the poor and sinners, the two classes deemed unworthy by others. He showed his mercy to them but indicates in this verse conditions they must observe if they wish to accept. His special love for them is expressed in his death and in the joy there is in heaven when one of them converts.
Jesus says that the “Kingdom of God is at hand”. It is not yet here. We are living in the time of the Holy Spirit whom Jesus sent into the world when he ascended into heaven. The Kingdom is under great attack from the devil at present and will remain so until the Second Coming of Jesus. Only at the end of time will the Kingdom come in its fulness.
What is the relationship between the Kingdom and the Church? The Church is the seed and the beginning of the Kingdom. The Church already exists in the Kingdom. It entered the world in the person of Christ. It will be fulfilled at the end of time.
(iii) “repent,” — To repent (also called ‘convert’) and be converted is not an outward action but an interior one. It takes place in one’s heart, one’s mind. It is a radical change of view and acting. We refer to it as conversion of heart to God. It is primarily a turning towards something, the Kingdom of God, rather than a turning away from something. But of course we do turn away from sin which separates us from God and his Kingdom. One joins the Kingdom of God and becomes a disciple, a follower.
(iv) “and believe in the gospel.” — This is the second great theme in Mark’s Gospel. Whoever “believes” pledges oneself to what is believed. Faith is a person’s response to God who reveals himself by deeds and words and gives himself to each so that each may respond to him, know him and love him way beyond one’s capacity. Nothing can compare with Sacred Scripture: the unique speech or words of God, spoken or written by the Holy Spirit, in advancing listeners and readers in revelation, knowledge and love.
16 And passing along by the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon casting a net in the sea; for they were fishermen. 17 And Jesus said to them, “Follow me and I will make you become fishers of men.” 18 And immediately they left their nets and followed him.
And passing along by the Sea of Galilee, — Jesus was coming from Nazareth (Mk. 1: 9).
“The Sea of Galilee” in Galilee is fed by the River Jordan and measures 13 x 8 miles. It is 696 miles below sea level. At least five incidents in the public ministry of Jesus took place there. This sea is also called the Lake of Gennesar, Gennesareth (Mt. 14: 34; Mk. 6: 53) or Tiberias (Jn. 6: 1; 21: 1).
he saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon casting a net in the sea; for they were fishermen. — Simon and Andrew were actually at their work of fishing. Mark uses a technical term to describe the small circular net, about ten to fifteen feet in diameter, with weights on the circumference and a rope in the middle to haul it in. This net would not catch many fish.
It is extraordinary that Jesus should invite them to join him at that precise moment of casting their net.
And Jesus said to them, “Follow me and I will make you become fishers of men.” — This is Jesus first action as he begins his public ministry.
Jesus takes the initiative. The disciples did not ask to be invited. “Jesus saw them… said to them… I will make you…”
Mark wastes no words on the call of Jesus to Simon and Andrew and on their response. Jesus’ words are stark: no invitation, no promises, no terms, no personal future benefits; just follow me! What Jesus is demanding is a total giving of themselves to mission with him and with no returns for themselves. They are called to be not his employees but disciples or servants. This is not an invitation but a stark command: “Follow me!” As a command there can be no other response but obedience.
How were they going to be “fishers of men”? As his disciples, Jesus would teach them to preach as he did, teach people the four points stressed by him, namely, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent, and believe in the gospel.”
And immediately they left their nets and followed him. — They were instantaneous in answering the call of Jesus. They actually left their nets in the water, perhaps with fish caught in them, and followed Jesus. They did not pause or delay in tidying the nets. This first quality of response to Jesus we will call Prompt.
They gave up everything they had and left. By giving up their nets they were abandoning their tools of trade as fishers of fish. The break was complete; there could be inn no return in Mark’s view. The second quality we will call Total.
They had no idea Jesus’ call would eventually lead them to martyrdom. The third quality of their response we will call Open–ended.
This episode of the call of Simon and Andrew, and the following, the call of James and John, are reminiscent of the call of Elisha by Elijah to be a prophet in I Kings 19: 19–22.
19 And going on a little farther, he saw James the son of Zeb’edee and John his brother, who were in their boat mending the nets. 20 And immediately he called them; and they left their father Zeb’edee in the boat with the hired servants, and followed him.
And going on a little farther, he saw James the son of Zeb’edee and John his brother, — The father of James and John is mentioned.
who were in their boat mending the nets. — They too were fishermen actively employed and at their work.
And immediately he called them; — Mark does not state what they were called to do but obviously from the proximity of the two calls, of Simon, Andrew and James, John, both pairs are called to be “fishers of men”.
and they left their father Zeb’edee in the boat with the hired servants, and followed him. — Breaking with their father is explicitly mentioned in this episode. The verse adds that they had hired servants and they also are left behind. This indicates that they were successful fishermen. Their break is total: father and a successful business. They gave up absolutely everything.
Their following Jesus as his servant is complete.
APPLICATION
CALL TO DISCIPLESHIP
Today’s Gospel passage shows us Jesus begin his public ministry and his very first action is to recruit people to assist him. He chooses four, who in time will become apostles, but first will be disciples and missionaries. He knew he needed others, that he could not establish the Kingdom of Heaven without assistance. And he knows today that he still needs a sufficient number of people to continue their missionary work. We reflect on this passage and see what help we can glean from it.
The most obvious lesson is that Jesus initiated the call and promised the training for the four who were to be his first disciples and who would continue his ministry: “Follow me and I will make you become fishers of men.” They were to live with him and help him as disciples, that is servants. Our problem is how can we get Jesus to call disciples today?
From the way in which Jesus spoke to these four fishermen and their response it is obvious that they had a personal relationship and we know that Andrew knew him to be the Messiah. Last Sunday’s Gospel from John’s Gospel (Jn. 1: 35-42) informed us that Andrew told this to his brother Simon Peter. They had initial faith in Jesus, they were attentive to his voice and they trusted his call.
This is where you, the Christian community, that lives the faith intensely, bears witness to the Gospel and has a strong sense of mission, is so essential in preparing people to hear God’s call. The community nourished by the Mass, Sacraments and prayer prepares each individual with the atmosphere of a vibrant faith. These members must be very personal and intimate with God; this spreads throughout the group. Where potential vocations exist, they are nourished by such a community and so are ready to hear God call. Without such a community as a background it requires a miracle of grace to reap a vocation.
One of the distinguishing marks of vocations nowadays is that seldom do school-age young people apply. Family prayer in the home, such as the Rosary, has been abandoned. It is also very notable how few young people practise religion. It would appear that the majority of those who answer God’s call are mature College graduates or actual workers. They are well represented by the four fishermen. People in these categories need to be invited by priests and laity to consider listening to see if God is calling them to join him as a missionary disciple. To be involved in parish activity in some Catholic action group is an excellent way in which to begin.
The dominant culture in our western world is dominated by materialism and individualism: people live for themselves. What is inconvenient is ignored or forgotten. That is why mortification, voluntary self-sacrifice and inconvenience are abandoned.
More Bible reading and understanding of the love of Jesus for all of us is so important. The Bible is so powerful because the words are inspired, written by God’s Holy Spirit. A call from God to live with him as a disciple and missionary is to be one with him and become like him. It is to be “another Christ”, another “anointed one”.
Fundamentally today’s Gospel passage is about Jesus, not the four disciples. It tells us how he came to introduce the Kingdom of God and how we live in the Kingdom through his Church. This is how he works with others to spread that Kingdom.
If we wish for more priests and consecrated persons, we need more community, faith-filed persons developing their parish with the officials and others. Until the environment is Christian and Catholic much is required. We refer to the Church as “the Bride of Christ”. She replaces Christ. You must see what you can do as a child of the Church.
Commentary on 3rd Sunday of the year (B) 25th Jan 2015
THEMES OF THREE SUNDAY READINGS
Gospel (Mark 1: 14–20): Invitation to Repent and Believe
Introduction: Jesus proclaims that now the Kingdom of God is at hand and invites people to repent and believe the Good News. Mark gives examples of four people who did this.
I Reading (Jonah 3: 1–5, 10): Threat & Response
At the Lord’s command Jonah preached repentance to the people of Nineveh and they obeyed. God spared them the disaster which he had threatened.
RespPs. 24
Introduction: A prayer, in response to God’s invitation to repent, that we may know and follow God’s way in our lives. This prayer is full of confidence based on God’s past record in showing mercy.
II Reading (I Corinthians 7: 29–31): Time is Short
Introduction: Paul stresses that our time is growing short; the world as we know it is passing away. He gives five examples of how all of us can be forgetful of this, to our detriment. We need to live lives of detachment from worldly affairs so that we will be ready for the Second Coming of Christ.
GOSPEL TEXT — Mark 1:14–20
Setting
14 Now after John was arrested,
The Time is fulfilled
Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, 15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent, and believe in the gospel.”
Call of Simon and Andrew
16 And passing along by the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon casting a net in the sea; for they were fishermen. 17 And Jesus said to them, “Follow me and I will make you become fishers of men.” 18 And immediately they left their nets and followed him.
Call of James and John
19 And going on a little farther, he saw James the son of Zeb’edee and John his brother, who were in their boat mending the nets. 20 And immediately he called them; and they left their father Zeb’edee in the boat with the hired servants, and followed him.
EXPLANATION: GOSPEL TEXT — Mark 1:14–20
14 Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, 15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent, and believe in the gospel.”
Now after John was arrested, — Mark’s Gospel opens with John the Baptist in the wilderness of Judea preaching “a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins” in the River Jordan. Among those who came to be baptised was Jesus. He also would baptise but with the Holy Spirit and not just with water like John (Mk. 1: 1–8).
Jesus would be baptised by John who would refer to him as “the one who is coming after me” (Jn. 1: 26). That would be John’s last public action before his arrest when he would leave the scene permanently. For Jesus this arrest would be an indication of God’s will for him to commence his “preaching the Gospel of God”, knowing that a similar fate lay in wait for him. As early as the end of the first section of Mark’s Gospel we read: “The Pharisees went out and immediately held counsel with the Herodians against him, how to destroy him” (Mk. 3: 6). Apprehension or fear of the future did not deter him. “The Gospel of God” had to be preached.
Jesus came into Galilee, — “Galilee” is the northern section of Palestine, about 50 x 30 miles in size. Before and after the time of Jesus it was regarded as unimportant (Jn. 1: 45–46; 7: 45–52), by the Jews of Judea in the south of the Holy Land, largely because of the number of Gentiles or non–Jews, who lived there. Herod the Great and Herod Antipas did rule there and are mentioned in the gospels. Jesus grew up in Nazareth; eleven of the apostles were Galileans, Judas Iscariot being the exception. Other towns in Galilee were Cana, Capernaum and Tiberias.
This verse in Mark’s Gospel shows us that Jesus “came into Galilee” from Nazareth (Mk. 1: 9). He would remain preaching until the beginning of chapter 10 on his journey to Jerusalem.
preaching the gospel of God and saying — This verse contains Jesus’ first public words and, therefore, very important, his inauguration speech as it were. For Mark, “preaching the gospel of God” means the following four parts to this preaching that comes from God:
(i) “The time is fulfilled, — There are two Greek words for this expression; one referring to human time and the other to God’s directed time. It is God’s directed time that is mentioned here by the Greek word. It is the good news “of God”. It is the fulfilment of all the Old Testament prophecies. It is the fulfilment of time in God’s plan.
(ii) “and the kingdom of God is at hand”; — This is the first great theme, the core of the Gospel in Mark.
In God’s eye everything has been fulfilled and he is ready with his Son to bring the Kingdom from heaven into the world to be established there. The Commandments, the Sermon on the Mount with the beatitudes and the teaching of Jesus will be the great guidelines for those joining the Kingdom. This Kingdom of God was foretold in the Old Testament and for over 1,000 years the Israelites, especially through the prophets, looked forward to this coming. Simeon and Anna were two of the prophets mentioned in the New Testament (Lk. 2: 22–38). History is being fulfilled and a radical response is most important from each person now that the Kingdom is “at hand”.
What is the kingdom of God? The word “kingdom” means something more than a territory or realm. It literally means “sovereignty”, “reign” or “kingship”. God’s kingdom is universal and everlasting, a kingdom of glory, power, and splendour. In the Book of Daniel we are told that this kingdom is given to the Son of Man, a Messianic title for God’s anointed King. The New Testament word for “Messiah” is “Christ” which literally means the “Anointed One” or the “Anointed King”. The core of the gospel message is the good news of the kingdom of God. This is the central theme of Jesus’ mission. God sent his Son to overthrow the kingdom of darkness and to bring us into the kingdom of his marvellous light
God the Father’s will was that he would raise up people who would share in his divine life and belong to the family of God. Through his death and resurrection he would accomplish the establishment of the Kingdom; through his apostles and disciples he would gather people around Christ the King: “And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself.” (Jn. 12: 32). His special invitation to join him as disciples was extended to the poor and sinners, the two classes deemed unworthy by others. He showed his mercy to them but indicates in this verse conditions they must observe if they wish to accept. His special love for them is expressed in his death and in the joy there is in heaven when one of them converts.
Jesus says that the “Kingdom of God is at hand”. It is not yet here. We are living in the time of the Holy Spirit whom Jesus sent into the world when he ascended into heaven. The Kingdom is under great attack from the devil at present and will remain so until the Second Coming of Jesus. Only at the end of time will the Kingdom come in its fulness.
What is the relationship between the Kingdom and the Church? The Church is the seed and the beginning of the Kingdom. The Church already exists in the Kingdom. It entered the world in the person of Christ. It will be fulfilled at the end of time.
(iii) “repent,” — To repent (also called ‘convert’) and be converted is not an outward action but an interior one. It takes place in one’s heart, one’s mind. It is a radical change of view and acting. We refer to it as conversion of heart to God. It is primarily a turning towards something, the Kingdom of God, rather than a turning away from something. But of course we do turn away from sin which separates us from God and his Kingdom. One joins the Kingdom of God and becomes a disciple, a follower.
(iv) “and believe in the gospel.” — This is the second great theme in Mark’s Gospel. Whoever “believes” pledges oneself to what is believed. Faith is a person’s response to God who reveals himself by deeds and words and gives himself to each so that each may respond to him, know him and love him way beyond one’s capacity. Nothing can compare with Sacred Scripture: the unique speech or words of God, spoken or written by the Holy Spirit, in advancing listeners and readers in revelation, knowledge and love.
16 And passing along by the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon casting a net in the sea; for they were fishermen. 17 And Jesus said to them, “Follow me and I will make you become fishers of men.” 18 And immediately they left their nets and followed him.
And passing along by the Sea of Galilee, — Jesus was coming from Nazareth (Mk. 1: 9).
“The Sea of Galilee” in Galilee is fed by the River Jordan and measures 13 x 8 miles. It is 696 miles below sea level. At least five incidents in the public ministry of Jesus took place there. This sea is also called the Lake of Gennesar, Gennesareth (Mt. 14: 34; Mk. 6: 53) or Tiberias (Jn. 6: 1; 21: 1).
he saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon casting a net in the sea; for they were fishermen. — Simon and Andrew were actually at their work of fishing. Mark uses a technical term to describe the small circular net, about ten to fifteen feet in diameter, with weights on the circumference and a rope in the middle to haul it in. This net would not catch many fish.
It is extraordinary that Jesus should invite them to join him at that precise moment of casting their net.
And Jesus said to them, “Follow me and I will make you become fishers of men.” — This is Jesus first action as he begins his public ministry.
Jesus takes the initiative. The disciples did not ask to be invited. “Jesus saw them… said to them… I will make you…”
Mark wastes no words on the call of Jesus to Simon and Andrew and on their response. Jesus’ words are stark: no invitation, no promises, no terms, no personal future benefits; just follow me! What Jesus is demanding is a total giving of themselves to mission with him and with no returns for themselves. They are called to be not his employees but disciples or servants. This is not an invitation but a stark command: “Follow me!” As a command there can be no other response but obedience.
How were they going to be “fishers of men”? As his disciples, Jesus would teach them to preach as he did, teach people the four points stressed by him, namely, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent, and believe in the gospel.”
And immediately they left their nets and followed him. — They were instantaneous in answering the call of Jesus. They actually left their nets in the water, perhaps with fish caught in them, and followed Jesus. They did not pause or delay in tidying the nets. This first quality of response to Jesus we will call Prompt.
They gave up everything they had and left. By giving up their nets they were abandoning their tools of trade as fishers of fish. The break was complete; there could be inn no return in Mark’s view. The second quality we will call Total.
They had no idea Jesus’ call would eventually lead them to martyrdom. The third quality of their response we will call Open–ended.
This episode of the call of Simon and Andrew, and the following, the call of James and John, are reminiscent of the call of Elisha by Elijah to be a prophet in I Kings 19: 19–22.
19 And going on a little farther, he saw James the son of Zeb’edee and John his brother, who were in their boat mending the nets. 20 And immediately he called them; and they left their father Zeb’edee in the boat with the hired servants, and followed him.
And going on a little farther, he saw James the son of Zeb’edee and John his brother, — The father of James and John is mentioned.
who were in their boat mending the nets. — They too were fishermen actively employed and at their work.
And immediately he called them; — Mark does not state what they were called to do but obviously from the proximity of the two calls, of Simon, Andrew and James, John, both pairs are called to be “fishers of men”.
and they left their father Zeb’edee in the boat with the hired servants, and followed him. — Breaking with their father is explicitly mentioned in this episode. The verse adds that they had hired servants and they also are left behind. This indicates that they were successful fishermen. Their break is total: father and a successful business. They gave up absolutely everything.
Their following Jesus as his servant is complete.
APPLICATION
CALL TO DISCIPLESHIP
Today’s Gospel passage shows us Jesus begin his public ministry and his very first action is to recruit people to assist him. He chooses four, who in time will become apostles, but first will be disciples and missionaries. He knew he needed others, that he could not establish the Kingdom of Heaven without assistance. And he knows today that he still needs a sufficient number of people to continue their missionary work. We reflect on this passage and see what help we can glean from it.
The most obvious lesson is that Jesus initiated the call and promised the training for the four who were to be his first disciples and who would continue his ministry: “Follow me and I will make you become fishers of men.” They were to live with him and help him as disciples, that is servants. Our problem is how can we get Jesus to call disciples today?
From the way in which Jesus spoke to these four fishermen and their response it is obvious that they had a personal relationship and we know that Andrew knew him to be the Messiah. Last Sunday’s Gospel from John’s Gospel (Jn. 1: 35-42) informed us that Andrew told this to his brother Simon Peter. They had initial faith in Jesus, they were attentive to his voice and they trusted his call.
This is where you, the Christian community, that lives the faith intensely, bears witness to the Gospel and has a strong sense of mission, is so essential in preparing people to hear God’s call. The community nourished by the Mass, Sacraments and prayer prepares each individual with the atmosphere of a vibrant faith. These members must be very personal and intimate with God; this spreads throughout the group. Where potential vocations exist, they are nourished by such a community and so are ready to hear God call. Without such a community as a background it requires a miracle of grace to reap a vocation.
One of the distinguishing marks of vocations nowadays is that seldom do school-age young people apply. Family prayer in the home, such as the Rosary, has been abandoned. It is also very notable how few young people practise religion. It would appear that the majority of those who answer God’s call are mature College graduates or actual workers. They are well represented by the four fishermen. People in these categories need to be invited by priests and laity to consider listening to see if God is calling them to join him as a missionary disciple. To be involved in parish activity in some Catholic action group is an excellent way in which to begin.
The dominant culture in our western world is dominated by materialism and individualism: people live for themselves. What is inconvenient is ignored or forgotten. That is why mortification, voluntary self-sacrifice and inconvenience are abandoned.
More Bible reading and understanding of the love of Jesus for all of us is so important. The Bible is so powerful because the words are inspired, written by God’s Holy Spirit. A call from God to live with him as a disciple and missionary is to be one with him and become like him. It is to be “another Christ”, another “anointed one”.
Fundamentally today’s Gospel passage is about Jesus, not the four disciples. It tells us how he came to introduce the Kingdom of God and how we live in the Kingdom through his Church. This is how he works with others to spread that Kingdom.
If we wish for more priests and consecrated persons, we need more community, faith-filed persons developing their parish with the officials and others. Until the environment is Christian and Catholic much is required. We refer to the Church as “the Bride of Christ”. She replaces Christ. You must see what you can do as a child of the Church.