Answering the Call: The Urgency of Discipleship in St. Mark’s Gospel

In this liturgical year, our gospel passages come from St. Mark and St. John. In today’s gospel proclamation from St. Mark, we encounter Jesus initiating his public ministry after the arrest of his cousin, John the Baptist.

He proclaims good news: “The Kingdom of God is at hand!” He wants a change of heart: “repent and believe the good news!”

To repent is not about feeling bad or feeling sad, rather, it is about the redirecting or re-orienting of the heart, mind, and soul toward God and the ways of God.

Next, we encounter Jesus calling his first disciples, Simon (later to be renamed Peter), and his brother, John (the youngest of the apostles and the author of the Gospel of John).

Please notice that they literally drop everything and follow the Lord! When the Lord calls us, he does not want us lingering in old places and old ways.

Rather, the Lord wants us to follow where he leads. The immediacy of discipleship is most pronounced in St. Mark’s Gospel. There will be no waiting around in St. Mark’s telling of the Christ story, and those called to discipleship had best respond quickly!

Call to action: When our parishioners, old or new, show an interest in engagement with the parish community we should act on it as quickly as prudence allows!

One fast way to lose volunteers is to wait many days or weeks before getting back to them when they offer their services. Whether it’s the offer to volunteer, or to make a donation, getting back to the parishioner within 24 to 48 hours is critical!

Use your GC Smart Tools to make lists of your volunteers and ministry groups. Use your Smart Texting to get back to them, even if just to acknowledge their interest!

Finally, thanking your people for their service or offers of service helps in making your people feel wanted, known, and engaged in the community.

Pastoral Action Points

1. Lent is coming quickly this year! Have you planned your Lenten activities? If your parish is participating in the Rites of Christian Initiation, take the opportunity to help the candidates and catechumens to be known by the greater parish community.
2. Trying to create a welcoming ministry can be hard (Catholics are so shy!). If it’s not possible to have a full welcoming ministry, try having a welcome desk or kiosk in your foyer or gathering space. Invite some of the teens who need service hours to be at the desk to welcome visitors and answer questions. Likewise, some of our more senior members may be willing to do it if they can sit instead of stand! Think creatively about welcoming visitors, guests, and seekers to your parish!
3. GiveCentral has some big announcements coming soon that will make using our platform faster, easier, and more fun! Be ready for some good news!

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