Monday 11 January 2021

Today is Monday 11 January, in the First Week of Ordinary Time.    

The Community of Taizé sings Christe Lux Mundi: ‘O Christ, light of the world, whoever follows you will have the light of life.’

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Mark.

Mark 1:14 – 20

Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, and saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news."

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. As he went a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John, who were in their boat mending the nets. Immediately he called them; and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men, and followed him.

This story vividly illustrates the calling of the first disciples. As Christians in the world today, we find ourselves called in very different ways. But we probably face a similar sort of incredulity and fear that those first disciples did. Can you hear Jesus calling you to follow him now?

Take a moment to pray for those Christians around the world today, who answered the call to follow Christ, and are facing unimaginable challenges and persecution… bring them before the Lord in prayer now…

As you listen to the reading again, imagine yourself being called by Jesus in the here and now. How do you feel?

Today, think about the notion of calling. How do I respond to that call? What are the ways in which I live my faith so that I show my calling to others?

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.