Jesus’ first words in Mark’s Gospel are startling, like a 5:00 am wake-up call: “This is the time of fulfillment. The Kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the Gospel.” There is no hesitation or hedging of bets.

The seemingly instantaneous responses of Simon, Andrew, James and John suggest that they sensed Jesus’ earnestness and urgency and could not say no. Notice that Jesus does not tell them to stop doing what they know; he invites them to see their livelihood through his “kingdom vision.” They are still fishers, but now, they are fishers of people.

As we enter into ordinary time, we are invited to see our daily “casting of nets” in a different way, through Jesus’ “kingdom vision.” How might Jesus be calling me to this “kingdom vision” today? This week? Beyond?

—Dan Finucane teaches theology and coordinates Campus Ministry activities at St. Louis University High School in St. Louis MO.