Faith Daily | 11 January 2021
PRAYER of the WEEK Baptism of the Lord
Almighty God,
who anointed Jesus at his baptism with the Holy Spirit
and revealed him as your beloved Son:
inspire us, your children,
who are born again of water and the Spirit,
to surrender our lives to your service,
that we may rejoice to be called your children;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen
GOSPEL for the Day: Mark 1: 14-20
14Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, 15and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.” 16As Jesus passed along the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the sea—for they were fishermen. 17And Jesus said to them, “Follow me and I will make you fish for people.” 18And immediately they left their nets and followed him. 19As he went a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John, who were in their boat mending the nets. 20Immediately he called them; and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men, and followed him.
GOSPEL Reflection: Contributed by Meredith Nicholls
Jesus continues the ministry of John but as this is not going to be a one-person ministry, he sets about choosing a team to work with him. The call from Jesus to Simon Peter, Andrew, James and John was not a random call. His team would be composed of very ordinary men, not highly educated, and without extensive CV’s, that would be a prerequisite today for a position requiring; excellent communication skills, perseverance with heavy workloads, continuing learning on the job and implementing that learning, dealing with people with both physical and mental health issues - from all walks of life, being available to travel all over the country, and observing how to manage tricky situations when dealing with powerful but insular hierarchy. This is a very demanding job and will take them away from their families and friends for extensive periods. The pay is not discussed and is never going to make them rich men.
The upside of this job was following a most charismatic and compelling leader, one that they have been waiting a long time for. Never in their wildest imaginings did they believe they would be chosen to live and work with God’s own Son – Jesus Christ.
FINAL PRAYER: from Meredith
Lord, you called the disciples to follow you and share in your mission.
Their response is radical and immediate.
May nothing hinder me from generously responding to your daily call to follow you.
Amen