In today’s (1/13) Gospel, we read about Jesus calling Simon, Andrew, James, and John. As I read the passage, one thing I reflected on is that there were no conditions attached to Jesus’ invitation to them to follow Him. He called and they answered by leaving behind what they were doing and following Him. We too are all invited to follow Jesus, in all circumstances.
In this Gospel passage, when Jesus calls Simon, Andrew, James, and John, their choosing to follow Him is not conditional. They don’t say to Jesus, “I’ll follow you as long as it is easy, when it is convenient, when life is good and comfortable, as long as I’m not suffering.” When Jesus calls them, Simon and Andrew “left their nets and followed him” (Mark 1:18) and James and John “left their father Zebedee in the boat along with the hired men and followed him” (Mark 1:20). They simply go, no matter what lies ahead. Jesus calls, they follow. And Jesus calls all of us too. Do we follow?
Following Jesus can be easier at some times than others at different points in our lives. It is easy when we are surrounded by others who share our faith, maybe when we’re on a retreat or in some other faith experience where we immerse ourselves in a bubble of Catholics who have the same beliefs as us. It is easy when life is good and all is going well for us. It is easy when we feel close to Jesus and when we have more times of consolation and mountaintop experiences than times of spiritual dryness and feeling far from Jesus. What about when life seems confusing, when we experience suffering of any kind, or when the crosses in our lives feel extra heavy?
One line I was struck by is towards the end of the passage, when Jesus walks on and sees James and John, it says, “Then he called them…” (John 1:20). This seemingly simple line should remind us that He calls each of us too. Not just once, but continually as we walk the journey. And He doesn’t just call us in certain circumstances, when this or that happens, or when it feels easy. He simply calls us, at all times and always. In the ups and downs, highs and lows, mountains and valleys, good times and difficult times, we must respond. If we really trust Jesus, we will follow Him.
This gospel passage can help us all to reflect on Jesus’ call to us. Today and everyday, may we take time to listen to how Jesus is calling us and may we respond by following Him no matter what.
Faith and The Good Stuff 