Quick, come now, it’s happening, join in!

Dan Harper August 02, 2024 7 2

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Mark 1: 16-20 (NRSVA)

16 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. 17 And Jesus said to them, ‘Follow me and I will make you fish for people.’ 18 And immediately they left their nets and followed him. 19 As he went a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John, who were in their boat mending the nets. 20 Immediately he called them; and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men, and followed him.

There is an epic tale told of Saint Christopher, who started life worshipping various gods. He then attempted to worship the Greatest King, tried the devil, but eventually turned to Christianity under the direction of a wise old hermit.

The wise old hermit guides Christopher in how to live out his new found Christianity by carrying pilgrims across a fast flowing river. It is in undertaking this task, legend tells, that he carried an unknown child across this river. And upon reaching the other side the child revealed himself to be Christ. It is this narrative that gives us St Christophers, the small metal discs with a man carrying a child on them, that pilgrims have worn around their necks since the 600s, if not before.

In our reading we hear of Jesus calling his first disciples. They weren’t called to a simple life of fasting and prayer, although that happened, and they weren’t called to be nice and keep their heads down. Jesus called the disciples, to what we know to be a life of adventure and peril. A life filled with feasts and persecution, with executions and resurrection. Jesus calls us on adventure, a vital and vibrant way to be.

So, what now?

Christopher, was originally told by the hermit that a life of fasting and prayer was how to connect with God. And that was right for the hermit. However, for Christopher that wasn’t the case. His life following Christ started with physical, dangerous, and probably miraculous river crossings. It continued with travel and adventure. And finished with converting prostitutes sent to convert him and infuriating executioners for an extended period.

We are called, like St Christopher, like the disciples in our reading, and like countless others through the Bible and since. We are called to get up and follow, we are called to share the lifegiving waters of Christ. To share the adventures of life in community and with God.

So, what now? We are all called to follow Christ, and sometimes that is quiet and settled, but often it is about stepping out into the streams of life, knowing the tumult, but doing it anyway knowing God is with us.

Prayer:

God

Help me to use my strengths as I join in with you.

Amen