Read the Word // Open your Bible to today’s Gospel: Mark 1:14-20

Reflect on the Word // 

One of my daughters absolutely delights in creative questions. One of her favorite questions relates to superpowers and which superpower we want to have. She always gives the same answer, but each time she asks me I try to throw her a new superpower as my response. Another great question in this game of inquiry could be, “What do you leave behind to follow the Lord?”

I can picture myself standing at the edge of the Sea of Galilee, the small black pebbles under my feet as the cool water shifts them with each little wave. The disciples left their nets, there on the banks of the sea, and followed the Lord (see Mark 1:20). They just left them and followed Jesus. What do I need to leave behind? Facing that water, before I turn and walk towards the Lord, what am I holding on to? What am I clutching? My dreams, my plans, my desires. Can I just leave them next to the disciples’ nets and follow Jesus? Can I take some with me just in case? In case of what? In case I don't like the dreams, plans, or desires the Lord has for me. The Lord’s plans are superior to my own, and yet knowing this intellectually isn’t sufficient for me to let go of my own. 

What is in your hands? 

Dear sister, letting go of those nets that hold us back from living fully with the Lord—dreams,  control, pride, or whatever else you have in your hands—takes great trust. Do you trust the Lord enough to let go of whatever is keeping you at that shoreline, and turn to follow Jesus? Surrendering everything to Jesus is the only way to walk along the path with Him. 

Relate to the Lord // What is in your hands that needs surrendering? Tell Jesus now.