Immediately He Called Them

Beads of Joy 01-11-10

Immediately He Called Them
©2010 James Dacey, Jr. SFO

Hello Everyone,

This is a most exciting reading, in answering Jesus' call. We learn that no preparation of any sort is necessary. Today we read Mark 1:14-20 (The Galilean Ministry Begins and Jesus Calls His First Disciples). Jesus' call was compelling for these two sets of brothers, they indeed made an enthusiastic commitment right on the spot. Jesus chose these first disciples at their place of work, interesting choice. In Galilee at that time "fishing" was a major industry; so to some degree these disciples must have been fairly successful and secure in their daily commitments.

I think it would be reasonable to consider a few things about these disciples, starting with the fact that they were businessmen. They clearly most likely owned their own boats, their own nets, scripture does state that they had hired men, so they had employees. I also say considering they fished for a living, they probably went to the towns and villages selling their fish. So with all that said I would think they could read and write pretty well to some degree. I was in business for many years myself, so I am well aware of the general personal investments and emotional investments when it comes to daily involvement one has. Your business becomes part of who you are, a sort of extension of your personality, your attitude and your character. Your business is your baby, more than many could imagine.

Now with that understanding, let's look back at today's reading, verse 20, "Then He called them. So they left their father Zebedee in the boat along with the hired men and followed Him." This reading today expresses a huge emphasis on the true cost involved with following Jesus. The demand in our lives to leave behind basically everything and everyone goes beyond this passage. If we are going to truly follow Jesus is it possible for us in this day and age to, "leave everything" and follow Him? There is no capsulized answer, all of us have a different way in which we'd be "leaving everything" in order to follow Him. If you owned a business and were called to full time ministry, would you be able to walk away from your company, your baby?

Indeed there is a certain demand here. We must have the courage and the faith to be able to leave family security, financial security and attachment to things to follow Jesus. Jesus must come first and foremost in our lives. I realize for many it's easier said then done. But I believe it is completely possible. Our hearts need to be with Jesus in Heaven every moment of our lives. For it is written in Matthew 6:21, "For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be." Allow scripture to be your guide, it's fun and very insightful. 1 Corinthians 7:23, "You have been purchased at a price. Do not become slaves to human beings." We must remain strong in our faith and be faithful to the Lord in all we do. 1 Corinthians 16:13, "Be on your guard, stand firm in your faith, be courageous, be strong."

In the end, for all of us, Jesus is all that will matter.


Your brother in Christ Jesus & His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr SFO