The journey of a disciple is a journey of faith. Mark makes this point as he interweaves the stories of the chronically ill woman and Jairus the synagogue ruler who pleads to Jesus for his dying daughter. Both characters demonstrate faith as they come to Jesus asking for help. The question for us do we live with an attitude of faith or are we controlled by fear? Jesus encourages us to place our trust in him and live our day to day in an attitude of confidence that God is on our side. May we embrace faith as our guiding star so that we can live in hope and expectation of Gods blessings.

Jesus ministers to people wherever they are at. He also ministers to us wherever we are at. This is the message of the Good NewsGods gracious love for us wherever we are at. Peter learns this truth over time by being present to Jesusin the synagogue, in his house, on the streets, in times of seclusion and while traveling from town to town. It is being present to Jesus (like Peter) in every life situation that we grow and become authentic followers of our Risen Lord.

Jesus takes the initiative in calling us to become his disciples. The question is Will we pay attention to our lives and respond with a 'yes' when our moment comes?" As an example, Jesus calls Andrew and the unnamed disciple to follow him in the words Come and see." Andrew then later invites his brother Simon to come check out the new found Messiah. Jesus then invites Simon to join his group, symbolized in the change of his name to Peter. Similarly, Jesus invites us to become his disciples and friends. It is up to us how we will respond. This is the challenge and opportunity of our lives.

The women of Easter go to the tomb expecting to meet a dead Jesus. Instead, they find an empty tomb and a resurrected Christ! The angels message to them not only heralds Jesus victory over death but announces the forgiveness and restoration of wayward disciples. The community of disciples are to go forward with the mission of Jesus to proclaim the glorious truth that the kingdom of God draws near. Indeed, His kingdom will be a reign of love and peace that has no end.

On the way to the cross Simon of Cyrene has a moment with Jesus unceremoniously, Simon is compelled by a Roman soldier to carry the cross of Christ. In that moment Simon meets Jesus and his life is changed (not only for him but for his family!) If we are alert we also will have our moment with Jesus. He goes before all of us and at the right time we will meet him face to face. Let us open eyes and hearts to meet Christ in this Easter season.

As Jesus continues in ministry he faces greater and greater oppression. the resistance comes to a head in his perceived welcoming spirit to the outcasts of society. Selecting Levi, the tax-collector, and attending a party with Levi's friends was seen as poor judgment (and being a bad example to others!) What the Pharisees don't understand is the adventurous spirit of Jesus and the elasticity of his thinking. Jesus understands the implications of the new kingdom of God and how it transcends the old censorial system which the Pharisees cling to. The new system is one of grace and mercy to all - even the ones who are seen as inferior and outside of God's blessing.

Jesus models for us a heart of prayer and compassion. His fundamental desire is to know the heart of Abba and then translate his vision into action for Gods kingdom. As our leader Jesus reveals the import of prayerful conversation with Abba and the intentional activity of keeping in step with his Spirit. As Jesus disciples we are called to imitate our Lord and demonstrate it through actions of kindness for the marginalized and hurting people of the world.

Jesus begins his ministry by announcing the Good News of the kingdom of Godthe kingdom is drawing near now! Along with this declaration Jesus begins the process of building a community of disciples to assist him in his kingdom work. He calls and the disciples respond with a bold yes joining his band of followers. This pattern of call and response requires both commitment and a communal engagement. When we say yes in this manner we become active participants in the establishment of Gods kingdom on earth.