1 Sm 1:1-8
Psalm 116:12-13, 14-17, 18-19
Mark 1 : 14-20 Full Readings
Saint Gregory of NyssaThe Kingdom of God is Here
Brethren, Christmas time is over, Jesus has been baptised and his baptism marked the beginning of public ministry because through his baptism he received the power of the Holy Spirit, the divine confirmation from heaven as a Son of God in order that all may believe in him and in his works. Now Jesus is starting his mission, the mission which he picked from John the Baptist after he has been arrested according to Mark's gospel. But as we see in today's gospel, before Jesus began his mission, he chose his disciples and today he calls the first disciple. These disciples would stay with Jesus, learn from him all that concerns the kingdom, and later he would commission them to go out to the world to proclaim the good news. Jesus calling his first disciples, formed a new and first Christian community which will help him in his mission. Jesus cannot do everything by himself, though he is capable, he calls us and invites us today to participate in his mission as he called his disciples. Are we ready to participate in the mission of Jesus as we start this Ordinary Time?
