NOTES for Mar 1:14-20
One of the main themes we encounter in the Gospel of Mark is that of calling and our response to it. The point here is not spontaneity: these four were apparently already acquainted with Jesus (this is one way to understand Jn 1:35-51). After all, we ourselves are not reading these lines for the first time. What is striking here is something else: how briefly the evangelist speaks of it. Indeed, a calling, a conversion, is only the very beginning of the path. Much more will be said about the words and deeds of Jesus, the disciples' hesitations and denial, and the joy of the Resurrection.
Yet, on the other hand, without this episode there would have been no Gospel at all. What would have happened if no one had followed Jesus?
In our own time, Christ's work in this world continues. And this time, the disciples without whom nothing would happen are you and I. That is why it is so important for us today to realise once again that the Lord has called us to follow Him, and to find within ourselves the courage to climb out of the boat and go after Him.