Heavy Nets

The prayer-poem for our reflection today is based upon the account of Jesus calling his first disciples to leave their fishing nets and follow him. The story is found in Mark 1:14-20:


“Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!”

As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of people.” At once they left their nets and followed him.

When he had gone a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, preparing their nets. Without delay he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him.

HEAVY NETS by Roberta Porter

Lord,
those were heavy nets,
carefully mended, tended,
a means of sustenance in a difficult time.

What a risk to leave them;
a radical decision,
reckless by the world’s standards.
But, you ask us, too, to leave our nets
full of false securities
and worn-out idols,
ever-present pride
and worry,

all those things that tangle and entrap us,
whatever their names.
You call us to trust,
to follow
your radical
transforming path of love
and to find freedom.
Strengthen us, Jesus,
in the task and the journey.

Amen.