Mariners and Disciples

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Mariners and Disciples

As Jesus passed along the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the sea—for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, “Follow me and I will make you fish for people.” And immediately they left their nets and followed him. As he went a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John, who were in their boat mending the nets. Immediately he called them; and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men, and followed him.
Mark 1:15-20

Jesus is calling his first disciples in the Gospel this week, and they faithfully answer his call. They are seafarers, working to support their families in the same way that mariners today toil upon the waters to make ends meet. Peter and Andrew, James and John—the first four. We have stained glass windows of these four in our chapel at Port Newark, so that when mariners come to find a place of silence and meditation and prayer, followers of Jesus who understand their way of life surround them. The disciples understand what it’s like to be away from home for long periods of time—out of touch from loved ones—and doing dangerous work all the while. They recognize what it means to work in a field that is not connected to the rest of the world, and that others don’t always understand. Mariners and disciples: they have quite a bit in common.

The first four risked it all to follow Jesus. Mariners risk it all to support the ones they love. We, as supporters of mariners, need to recognize the sacrifices they make to enable us to live the way we do in this country. We are called to live lives of gratitude for what we have and for those that make it all possible. Attitudes of gratitude allow grace and peace to grow in our hearts and in our communities. Grace and peace to you as you read this … may your heart open the way that the first four opened their hearts to the living God so many years ago.