Day 5: The Call of the First Disciples (Mark 1:16–20)

By Sindhu Nadarajan · September 14, 2026

"As he passed by…he saw…" Jesus is always on the move and invites us to join him on the journey to heaven. Take the opportunity when it comes, because he has seen you and is calling.

"He saw…casting their nets." They were active, hardworking fishermen. Jesus looks for people who are ready to work hard, not lazy ones.

"I will make you fishers of men." Jesus speaks their language, in terms they understand as fishermen. He communicates with us in ways we can understand.

"They abandoned their nets and followed him." Jesus asks for a prompt response and for us to leave everything behind. He will provide what we need for the work he calls us to.

v. 20: "They left their father Zebedee in the boat along with the hired men and followed him." Again, this is a prompt response: leaving the familiar and trusting God to take care of their father and household.

Ponder

• What is Jesus telling me through the example of the apostles?

• How do I respond to Jesus' day-to-day nudges and inspirations? Do I respond promptly, or push those thoughts away for another time?

• What keeps me from responding to his inspirations?

• Is there anything I see that needs a prompt response? Pray with it.

• Do I consider myself a disciple of Christ?

• How deep, or how feeble, is my desire to be a disciple? Talk to Jesus about it.

Pray for a heart sensitive to his gentle promptings, and for a deeper desire and courage to do his will. "Jesus, I trust in you" is a simple but powerful prayer to repeat, especially in times of confusion, because it abandons us into his Divine Mercy.