Monday – 1st Week in Ordinary Time C

First, let us reflect on the reading from Hebrews. The author proclaims that God has spoken to us definitively through His Son, Jesus. In times past, God communicated in ways that were partial, through prophets, symbols, and rituals. But now, in these last days, we have received the fullest revelation of God in Jesus, the very embodiment of divine love and glory, who himself is God with the Father and the Holy Spirit.

What does this mean for us today? It means that our encounter with Jesus is the most significant relationship of our lives. God is not distant or silent; He has come to us in a way that is personal and transformative. We know he’s risen because of the initial testimonies of the disciples who saw and conversed with him. But then, we can also see that he is risen because of everything else that he has worked so powerfully in our lives to make his presence known.

When we face struggles, confusion, or a sense of isolation, we must remember that Jesus invites us into dialogue, into relationship, and into the fullness of life. This ordinary Monday calls us to give time to that relationship. Are we making space in our daily lives to listen to Him? Are we seeking His presence in prayer, scripture, and community?

Now, let’s turn to the Gospel of Mark. Here, we see Jesus beginning His public ministry with a clear call: “This is the time of fulfillment. The Kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the Gospel.” This moment marks a new beginning, and Jesus’ proclamation is as urgent today as it was then. The time for us to wake up to the reality of God's Kingdom is now!

As Jesus calls Simon, Andrew, James, and John, we witness not just a historical event but a model of discipleship. They were engaged in their everyday tasks — fishing, mending nets — and when Jesus called, they left everything behind to follow Him. Their response was immediate; they embraced the extraordinary within their ordinary lives.

Here lies the challenge and the invitation for us. What do we need to leave behind to truly follow Christ? Is it an attachment to comfort, a habit that holds us back from growth, or perhaps a mindset of scarcity that prevents us from seeing how God is at work? Repentance is not merely an acknowledgment of sin; it is an active turning towards God and away from whatever keeps us from fully embracing our discipleship.

The call to be “fishers of men” also invites us to consider our mission as followers of Christ. Each of us has been uniquely positioned in our families, workplaces, and communities to share the Good News. Just as the early apostles were transformed and empowered to gather others into the net of God’s love, so too are we invited to recognize our roles as ambassadors of the message of Christ.

In a world that often feels dark and divided, we can be instruments of peace, joy, and love. How can we bring the light of Christ into our relationships? Perhaps it’s through acts of kindness, offering words of encouragement, or simply being present to those in need. The call of Christ requires us to move beyond our comfort zones and embrace a life that reflects His love and mercy.

As we enter this new liturgical season, let’s ask ourselves: How am I responding to Jesus' invitation? Am I willing to embrace the extraordinary in my life? May we take this time of Ordinary Time to deepen our relationship with Christ, to turn back to Him in repentance, and to actively share His love with a world in need.

Let us pray for the grace to be courageous disciples, responding to His call, and may we always remember that with God, nothing is ordinary. Every moment is an opportunity to grow, to serve, and to walk closer with Him. Amen.