Gospel of Mark 1:14-20

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 will make you fishers of men.”
Then they abandoned 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 a 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.

Mark 1:14-20

What Will You Leave Behind To Follow Jesus?

In this weekend’s Gospel, we hear the story of Peter and Andrew being called by Jesus. Something that I think we overlook in this Gospel passage is what Peter and Andrew left behind when they followed Christ. When they left their boats behind, it is easy to look at what they left behind as being insignificant. Having a boat in modern times is, generally speaking, a hobby.  In the context of this Gospel passage, boats were more than just a hobby. Peter and Andrew were leaving behind their entire livelihood and investment in their career. Boats were very hard to make and very expensive. 

When we realize the sacrifice that Peter and Andrew made, we see the gravity of what we are called to do when we choose to follow Christ.  Following Christ is no small matter and does not come without significant sacrifice. However, we know from our faith that significant sacrifice is very much worth it for the promise of Heaven and the closeness with God. There is nothing in this life that is worth more than our relationship with God and the promise of Heaven. Just as Peter and Andrew sacrificed their livelihood and investment to pursue God, we need to sacrifice anything that comes between us and God. 

This is no easy journey and we all have things that are difficult to sacrifice.  If you find that there are things in your life coming between you and God, consider reflecting on the lives of Peter and Andrew and what it takes to become a follower of Christ.

This reflection was first published at https://www.sacredheartcounseling.com.

Image: https://www.flickr.com/photos/paullew/49444846647

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