The call to transformation

By Bill Peatman

In today's environment of culture wars, it would be easy for a casual onlooker to get the impression that Christianity might be about many different things.

In pubic debate at least, one might easily get the impression that Christianity is chiefly about the political and social issues that dominate the headlines: the sanctity to life, protection of the family, ethics in science and research, and the ability to acknowledge God in public spaces such as courthouses and schools.

These are touchstone issues in contemporary culture, and if one was not familiar with the New Testament, one might think that Jesus spent a lot of time strategizing about how to influence legislation to effect political change in first century Palestine.

In today's reading from Mark's Gospel, Jesus launches his ministry with a simple claim: "This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the Gospel." Then he invites four fishermen --- Simon, Andrew, James and John --- to follow him, challenging them to "Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men."

Mark's Gospel makes it very clear what Jesus' ministry and message is all about from the very beginning: transformation. The moment Jesus emerges to begin his public ministry, peoples' lives are transformed. Four fishermen abruptly leave their boats, nets and even family members to answer Christ's call.

Repent is Jesus' command. Turn around. Simon (Peter), Andrew, James and John are pictures of what that is to mean. They immediately turn their lives in a new direction. We are all called to repent. To turn around. To put our lives in Christ's hands and allow our lives to be transformed from ordinary pedestrian endeavors to agents that can impact the transformation of others.

As we reflect on this Gospel today, at the beginning of a new calendar year, when we are in the mood to make resolutions and changes, we might ask ourselves if we have truly answered the call of Christ to repent. In my mind the idea of transformation by Christ is appealing, but the reality is daunting.

Change requires risk --- risking what is familiar and secure in my life for something that is attractive but unknown. But we all must ask ourselves if we have put our lives in God's hands like Peter, Andrew, James and John, and if we have made our lives and talents available to God to be used to serve others.

This is the heart of the Gospel. God is far more interested in how we live than how we vote. Changed lives will change communities, governments, and cultures before legislation will. We need all of these, of course --- structural change and spiritual change. We need to apply our spiritual experiences and convictions to all areas of our lives. But if you're like me, you need to start by answering the call to follow Jesus Christ completely, not just when it feels safe, convenient or familiar.

The Christian faith is first and foremost about transformation. Another word for this that is used more commonly in religious circles is conversion. God invites us to be converted from mere fishermen to "fishers of men." What does that mean?

"Love of neighbor is an absolute demand for justice, because charity must manifest itself in actions and structures which respect human dignity, protect human rights, and facilitate human development. To promote justice is to transform structures which block love."

World Synod of Bishops, Justicia in Mundo, #34