This Sunday’s gospel goes back to the beginning of Mark (1:14-20) and presents us with the first words of Jesus that Mark records.  Exactly one week ago we read John’s account of the calling of the first apostles (see Jan 15 post).  Today, two sets of brothers (Simon and Andrew, James and John) quit their day jobs (fishing)  to follow Jesus immediately simply at His beckoning.  A bold and, some surely thought, a silly and reckless move.  Giving up everything for this itinerant preacher who had only recently started His public ministry?  But we know from last week’s gospel that Andrew and John were disciples of John the Baptist.  They knew what John had to say about Jesus.  They were convinced that Jesus was the one for whom they had been waiting and their witness convicted their brothers as well.  Our challenge is to have this same attitude, regardless of our walk of life.  Quitting a job and leaving loved ones is likely not prudent for most persons.  But dropping those things (i.e., sins) that are a barrier to our relationship with Jesus and proclaiming Christ is our constant calling.  Each is gifted in different ways to do this, but we must be willing to cease iniquity and expose and use our talents (cf. Mt 25:14-30; Lk 19:12-28) for the furthering of His Kingdom.