ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
January 14, 2021
Scripture: Mark 1:16-18
As Jesus passed along the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the sea—for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, “Follow me and I will make you fish for people.” And immediately they left their nets and followed him.
Thought for the Day: I don’t know why, but in reading this passage just now, I pictured something I’d never noticed before. Maybe I am reading too much into the story, but it almost sounds as if Jesus was just walking alongside the Sea of Galilee with no intention of calling disciples. He came across these two guys and, on a whim, asked if they’d like to follow. Previously, it always read very staged, very non-spontaneous. Yet Jesus was driven by the Spirit. It makes me wonder if he got up every morning unsure of what that day would bring, simply going with whatever the day presented. There is something very refreshing about that idea. In my own mind, I often make Jesus a bit robotic and stiff. Yet as I read through Mark’s Gospel, people were brought to him, he stumbled across a strange happening, and he paused long enough for a group to gather with their questions. I’m not suggesting his life lacked purpose, but it appears as if he was very present to the moment and the impact the Gospel of love could have upon that moment. It makes me wonder how present I am to the moment.
Prayer: Provide me purpose, O Lord of Life, yet allow for me to be available to the unexpected situations that might present themselves. Amen.
