Follow Me?

Following seems such an easy thing to do these days.  We can follow complete strangers on Twitter with little to no risk- just click the Follow button and we get to read their thoughts and feelings.  We don't have to interact with them if we don't want to, and even if they ask us to do something- we can ignore their requests.
Following Jesus isn't so easy!  Sunday's Gospel (Mark 1:14-20) again deals with the disciples deciding to follow Jesus.  This time Jesus says, "Come after me..."   and the disciples go- no questions asked it seems.  Almost as easy as following someone on Twitter isn't it?  Except that the disciples had to leave everything they had- homes, families, friends, and follow a man who was controversial, radical, and challenged everything they knew.  Would we have gone so easily?
Do we take time to really think about what and who we're following today?  We may follow political parties, our friends, TV shows with ease, but when it comes to committing to following Jesus we balk.  What does truly following Jesus mean?
Read the lives of saints- the way is not easy, but it is spiritually rewarding.  God asks us to do what we can- and I think something we can all do is to really look at who and what we're following.  Are we better people for it?  I'm making my list right now- I have some thinking to do.

Good Year

It's a new year and a new liturgical season, so it's a great time to ponder the big questions: where am I going and what am I doing here?  This past Sunday's gospel (John 1:35- 42) touched on these questions when John, Andrew and Peter began to follow Jesus.  In other Gospels Jesus calls the disciples, "Come, follow me," but in John's Gospel these three disciples just started to follow Jesus as though they were compelled to be with Him.  Their hearts and souls recognized Jesus as God and Savior.
"I'm going with Jesus and I'm doing God's work." WGooouldn't it be wonderful to be able to give these answers simply and boldly?  Since most of us are not privileged to be able to directly converse with God, the best we can do is read the Bible, pray for guidance, and consult trusted advisors.  If we diligently do these things and listen for God's "still, small voice" in our hearts and souls, then it will be a good year indeed.