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When Jesus Moves In: An Advent Reflection
The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood. —John 1:14, The Message When Read More
Anne Cumings | Read Mark 1:14-20
Though Mark’s writing is concise, this scene from the Galilean seaside is evocative. Jesus is walking along the water’s edge watching the fisherman in their boats a little way off shore, casting their nets in hopes of drawing in a hardy catch. He finds two disciples fishing along the shoreline....
God of this present moment, thank you for meeting me right where I am. Open my ears to your call. Show me the ways I can use my gifts to follow your way. Give me the courage to get up and go when I hear your voice. Amen.
There are two strong themes in the scriptures for this week—God’s call on our lives and the ways in which God’s time is not our time. Jonah attempts to resist God’s call, but finds himself in the belly of a great fish. He gets a second chance to follow the call, and a whole city responds in repentance. The psalmist reminds us that life is but a breath and the things that humanity places value on are not what God values. Paul also reminds us that time on earth is short and we should focus on the things of God. Finally, Mark offers us the call story of the first disciples. Jesus meets them where they are in their lives, and they drop everything to follow in a sense of urgency.
Read Jonah 3:1-5, 10. Think of a time when you resisted God’s call or have judged other people or groups of people as being beyond help.
Read Psalm 62:5-12. How can you put your trust in the steadfast love of God?
Read 1 Corinthians 7:29-31. Reflect on an experience that changed your perspective on what is important.
Read Mark 1:14-20. How have you responded to God’s call on your life? When have you experienced God’s voice in the ordinary moments of life?
Respond by posting a prayer.
