3rd Sunday of Ordinary Time
Cycle B
January 21,
2018
The Word “Immediately”
In these weeks in our Church
calendar, we are beginning what is called Ordinary Time.
These are the ordinary weeks of
the year. Right now, there is no special
season, like Advent or Lent.
We just continue the everyday,
ordinary journey with the Lord. And as
we begin this, we hear from Saint Mark’s Gospel, Chapter 1, and there is one
thing I want to point out about Mark’s Gospel and today’s passage.
In his Gospel, Mark uses the word
that we translate as “immediately” or
“at once” 43 times. In Chapter 1,
Mark uses this word 11 times.
In today’s passage, he says that
Peter and Andrew immediately left their fishing nets and followed Jesus. And
then James and John immediately left their father Zebedee and followed him.
God Acts “Immediately”
Mark’s first point is that God’s
action is happening – right now, immediately, at once.
Jesus is fulfilling God’s plan
and promise to humanity – right now, immediately, at once. What is the lesson
for us?
First, let’s look for how God is
doing that for us right now. Here in the
Word of God and in the Sacrament of the Eucharist God comes to us with his
saving word and grace – immediately, right now.
God may come today in the wise
words of a person with whom we are speaking – words that we may or may not
welcome. God may come in the simple smile or joy of a child.
So, let’s be alert to how God
comes to do his work with us right now. God is acting immediately.
We Respond “Immediately”
And then, let’s respond
immediately, at once, like Peter and Andrew and like James and John.
Let’s not make excuses and not
rationalize and delay. Let’s respond today, immediately, at once, to the
promptings of God, whether they come to us directly or through others.
Let’s keep in mind that one word:
“Immediately.” Mark keeps repeating
this throughout his gospel and doesn’t want us to miss it.
