3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time
Come. (Mark 1:17)
Scripture has a way of condensing a lot of information into a few short sentences, and today’s Gospel is a perfect example. It’s possible that all Jesus had to do was say, “Come after me” to get Peter and Andrew to drop their nets, leave their families, and become disciples. But it’s far more likely that this story is the climax of a number of other encounters Jesus had with them. This observation can teach us two things.
First, our decision to follow Jesus is never a onetime choice. Second, our decision to help other people follow Jesus is never a onetime choice.
Some people marry only a few days after they meet. It’s unusual, but it does happen. And when it does, the couple has to deepen their marriage commitment if they want to stay together. Just so, even if Peter and Andrew said yes at a moment’s notice, their commitment to Jesus needed to grow. If it didn’t, they would have eventually left Jesus.
The same is true for us. No matter how mature our yes is, the Holy Spirit wants to take it to a deeper level. He wants to help us mature in our commitment to him so that we can know him better and become more effective servants of his kingdom.
This principle applies to our call to help other people follow Jesus. It’s always possible that our children and friends will immediately take our advice and give their lives to the Lord. But knowing human nature, it’s more likely that they will need more time and attention than one simple invitation. This means we need to be consistent in mirroring Jesus to them. Never stop showing them your love. Never stop caring for them. Never stop telling them that Jesus is about love and mercy, redemption and reconciliation.
Jesus is calling you to follow him today. He is asking you to keep evangelizing people with love and compassion. It’s a challenging call, but you don’t have to do it alone. Jesus has all the grace you need.
“Lord, I will follow you all the days of my life.”
Jonah 3:1-5, 10
Psalm 25:4-9
1 Corinthians 7:29-31