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.
Mark 1: 14-20
Lord, your entire lectionary reading this week flows with the sense of time.
But the word that jumps into my heart from your heart is immediately.
Immediately – without delay, no hesitation, a prompt response.
I overthink.
I pause and second-guess.
I fail to answer your call.
Immediately also implies – without anything in-between.
May our relationship blend without anything in-between us.
May my light reflect your vision without my ego clouding the way.
May my actions and behavior follow you quickly without wavering.
May my heart be so open to the urging of your spirit that your words burst forth in your time.
Your time – that is what matters, Lord.
Not earthly boundaries.
Not my mind’s rigid expectations.
Not other agendas.
You and only you.
May I follow you immediately.
What a heart-felt, inspiring post, Jean. I love how you took that one word, “immediately” and gathered so many of our experiences around it. Indeed: “May my actions and behavior follow you, [Lord], quickly without wavering.” Amen, Friend!
Thanks Nancy. So often we hesitate when God calls but when the ego drives us, we can’t wait to get going. I think we are wired backwards. LOL
Hope you are having a great week so far.
May we all follow immediately! Easier said than done, yet the Lord bids us not let anything, any distraction, keep us from following Him. Beautiful, Jean!
Hi Jean! I really appreciated your reflection today. This was the reading for Sunday at my church too. The pastor talked about the speed of answering the call as well. How easy it is to want to clean up any outstanding messes first, feel not worthy, question and all those things you mentioned.
We know we are called and gifted. We get the call and the gift and run for hills! At least I know that I do that. Complete hope, faith and trust will make us pliable tools for him.
I have a lot of work to do!
Sunday blessings my friend,
Ceil
I love it that our traditions follow the lectionary and we can share like readings with others. One of the richness of our faith. After I wrote this though I began to think of the times I responded to something without thinking first, or praying about it. I guess the balance is knowing it is God calling first and sometimes that does take time. the scripture did make me think though.. hope you are having a great week