Mark 1:16

As Jesus was going along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net in the sea, for they were fishermen.

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in the middle of a story
we are in another middle
announcing
hearing
walking
fishing

passing alongside
is never passing alone
water
Simon
Andrew
destination

a very smallish sea
still a sea
storm
sunrise
sunset
stolid

Franciscan relatives abound
sister this brother that
see
here
there
saw

each found at sea shore
with and without starfishers
begun
continued
paused
anon

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Still drawn by water, Jesus sees two brothers. This is different than the same story in John where they stalk Jesus and come to see him. It is also different from Luke who records an encounter with Simon first and Andrew later (4:38, 5:1–11, 6:12–16).

One of the traditions of Mark is that he records Simon’s (Peter’s, the Rock’s) remembrances of Jesus. An interesting resource because of both parts of its title is the 1930’s book, The Memoirs of St. Peter or The Gospel According to St. Mark, Translated into English Sense-Lines by James A. Kleist, S.J.

Kairos time can strike at any time. More often than not it comes to the last folks expected to receive it. This opportune moment arises in everyday living of tending sycamore trees or fishing for a living. As Mark tells it, Kairos time can come out of the blue.

What did Jesus see in Simon and Andrew? A response to that question raises the possibility of that same characteristic being what we are to look for in our own life and the lives of those we encounter. The time is probably right for an intentional look at the lives of those around us and an asking of them to look at our life that their new directions will be followed.

Note that in Jesus’ day, disciples sought out a teacher. Here Jesus follows Elijah’s model in asking particular people to be learners, disciples, followers.