The gospel for Monday of the first week in Ordinary Time is taken from Mark First, Chapter 14. After John had been arrested, Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the Gospel of God. This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe in the gospel. As he passed by the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting their nets into the sea.

They were fishermen. Jesus said to them, come after me and I’ll make you fishers of men. Then they left their nets and followed him. He walked along a little farther and saw James, the son of Zebedee and his brother John. They too were in the boat mending their nets. Then he called them.

So they left their father Zebedee in the boat along with the hired men and followed him. This is a moment of transition. Jesus picks up the work of John the Baptist by saying the same thing that John the Baptist said over and over again. Repent and believe in the gospel. The interesting thing about the Kingdom of God is that people are called to be engaged in this work of establishment, establishing a kingdom of peace and understanding individually for very particular reasons. It’s so important for us to listen for a call.

Everyone is called, everyone has a role in making the kingdom of God happen. It’s difficult at times, but it’s also an enormous pleasure to know you are working to save the world. Sa. Satan sa. Foreign. Father.

There’s a feeling inside of us. So often we wonder where it comes from that we maybe should not be doing what we’re doing, should be doing something else. Open us to those moments and let us say yes and leave what is old and enter into what is new. And we ask this in Jesus name, Amen.