Monday 12 January 2026 - The time is fulfilled

Monday 12 January 2026

Today is Monday the 12th of January, in the 1st week of Ordinary Time. The Cape Town Camerata sings 'Ndikhokhele Bawo': Lead me, oh Father, lead me Lead me, my saviour, in all the sorrows of this world, Father, I thank you, for you still protect me Father, Saviour, you calm my fears Father, I thank you, for you still protect me. Ndikhokhele Bawo, zundikhokhele Ndikhokhele mmeli wami ezintsizini, Zalomhlaba Bawo Bawo, Bawo, Bawo Bawo ndiyabonga Ngoba wena usandigcinile Mmeli wami Bawo uhlal’ uhlele duzekwami Bawo ndiyabonga ngoba wena usandigcinile Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Mark. Mark 1:14-20 Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.’ As Jesus passed along the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake—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. This story vividly illustrates the calling of the first disciples. As Christians in the modern world, we find ourselves called in very different ways. But we probably face the same sort of incredulity and fear that those first disciples did. Can you hear Jesus calling you to follow him now? Imagine yourself in the place of these early disciples. We’re told that they leave their nets and even their father “immediately”. Notice how your own heart responds to their readiness... Is this something you resonate with? As you listen to the reading again, imagine yourself being called by Jesus in the here and now. How do you feel? Mark 1:14-20 Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.’ As Jesus passed along the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake—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. Today, think about the notion of calling. How do you respond to that call? What are the ways in which you live your faith that shows your calling? Speak with Jesus about any challenges or glimpses of gratitude this prayer time has brought up that you would like to talk over with Him. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen