Leave the Past – Reflection on Mark 1:14-20
You may remember each of Jesus’s “calls” since your youth. However, early in life, we may have only begun understanding what responding and following the call means. We use reason and logic, so it can be challenging to believe and discern something that only exists spiritually. On top of that, in our younger years, other interests can take precedence in accepting requests that could be genuine. It is easy to assume that John and James are leaving everything behind. However, if we consider spirituality, it can be a metaphor that means to leave the past behind instead. Past mistakes, selfishness, and normal beliefs are some of the possibilities. Family, friends, and neighbors need us to stay in place as examples of hearing the call and accepting the invitation.
The Calling of Saint James and Saint John by James Tissot (high-resolution image of painting)
More details are available on the Brooklyn Museum website.
Additional Ordinary Time Reflections
Mark 1:14-20 – Scripture*
The Beginning of the Galilean Ministry
14 Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, 15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.”
Jesus Calls the First Disciples
16 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. 17 And Jesus said to them, “Follow me and I will make you fish for people.” 18 And immediately they left their nets and followed him. 19 As he went a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John, who were in their boat mending the nets. 20 Immediately he called them; and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men, and followed him.
Additional thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this daily Gospel reading and considering this Lectio Divina Mark 1:14-20 Reflection – Leave the Past Behind.
This site has written permission from New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) to use the Mark 1 Bible passage.
Would you like to contribute related thoughts to these Lectio reflections of the Gospel readings or other contemplative material to this Web-based ministry? Do you see God’s grandeur everywhere and unconditionally enjoy sharing the love of Christ that you have inside? Are you willing to be anonymous in what you would share? If so, email me.
Prayer for young families:
Lord, let the young families of our communities get to know your joy, peace, comfort, and love despite the world’s distractions.
Attributions
*This site has permission to use the New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) Bible Mark 3 passage.
The Immersive Prayer website follows the guidelines for image web use at the Brooklyn Museum and the Jewish Museum websites.
Page and discussion group on these Lectio Divina daily Gospel Readings.
Discussion group on St. John of the Cross.