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Gospel Reading for January 13, 2025 – Mark 1: 14-20
HOPELESS
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 left 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.
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John could no longer continue his ministry. It was Jesus’ time to start his ministry and to proclaim the Gospel of God in full swing. But, he did not do it alone. He chose 12 disciples to be with him in his ministry. He exposed them to his ministry. He taught them and even explained some parables to them alone. Jesus taught them all they needed to learn without them knowing that he was TRAINING/PREPARING them for a future ministry without him.
Jesus was already introducing to them the CHURCH, where all believers will work hand-in-hand to continue his work of salvation within and outside the Church, as he said in Mark 16: 15 – “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.” Further, in Matthew 16: 19, he gave Peter, his authority – “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on Earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on Earth shall be loosed in heaven.” But, the highlight of this happened on Pentecost, after having gone back to the Father, when he sent his Holy Spirit upon the apostles, ensuring that all the gifts/graces needed to continue his salvific work on earth descend upon them, and upon all of us Christians to this very day!
Those of us who think that his salvific work is HOPELESS, have to rethink. Jesus is ever present among us, and by the lives we lead, we bring HOPE to others too.
Lord Jesus, be with us as we journey as pilgrims of hope in this Jubilee Year!
