Mark 1:14-20. Immediately they left their nets and followed him.

We often frown on impulsive behavior. Sudden changes of direction in a person’s life are considered suspicious. “Where did that come from?” we say, or “She obviously didn’t put a lot of thought into that move.” We are encouraged to resist impulsiveness or urgency in favor of slow, thoughtful decisions.

There is an urgency in the Gospel of Mark. Mark’s account of the call of the first disciples is no exception: “Follow me and I will make you fish for people,” said Jesus. Immediately they dropped their nets.

Do you respond to Jesus’ call immediately? When I feel God might be calling me to something new, I first feel a need to get my house in order, to finish what I was doing, to wrap things up. Or I put off responding by asking questions: “God, is this really what you want?” “Where are we going?” I drag my feet.

Sometimes a little impulsiveness can be a good thing. Simon and Andrew didn’t fold up their nets and put them carefully away. They didn’t say, “Tomorrow, Jesus!” They didn’t ask Jesus what the plan was or where they would be going with him. They simply dropped their nets and followed him—immediately.

This week's lectionary readings are:

•  Jonah 3.1-5, 10 
• Psalm 62.6-14
• I Corinthians 7.29-31
• Mark 1.14-20