Fishing for people

 This Sunday's reading from Mark 1:14-20 continues the Epiphany trend of Sunday lessons about Jesus' early ministry.

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 lake—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.

 How many heard the call but failed to follow Jesus? Based on today's statistics, probably a lot of them closed their ears and walked away.

Jesus, give us the courage to keep fishing for men.