There is a clear contrast between this week's Gospel from Mark and that last week from John. Last week the emphasis was on the ministry of John the Baptist, who points out the Messiah, and the interaction between the disciples who respond to Jesus. Mark simply states: "After John was arrested...". (Mk 1: 14) Mark speaks of the urgency of Jesus mission and the speed with which the disciples respond to his call and leave their former lives behind to follow the Lord: "... immediately they left their nets and followed him" (Mk 1: 18) and "... Immediately he called them." (Mk 1: 20) This response can be compared to Jonah who is mentioned in the First Reading. Jonah sought to escape his call and ended up being swallowed by a fish before complying with God's call. Andrew, Peter, James and John hear the call and follow straight away. We can ask ourselves, as we confront the challenges and opportunities of 2024, how are we responding to our baptismal call to be missionary disciples who spread the joy of the Gospel?
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