Mark 1:14-20

¹⁴ After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. ¹⁵ “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” ¹⁶ As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. ¹⁷ “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” ¹⁸ At once they left their nets and followed him. ¹⁹ When he had gone a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, preparing their nets. ²⁰ Without delay he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him. 

Follow Him Forever

On a recent trip to India, I saw devotees of a specific deity of Hinduism undertake a pilgrimage: wearing black clothes, a chain (similar to a rosary), and carrying a small sack containing coconuts on their head, they walked barefoot over several hundred kilometres. The pilgrims cannot consume alcohol or smoke, and are expected to lead a life of conjugal abstinence and to lead a life of austerity for 41 days until they reach the abode of the deity. They may not cut their hair, shave their face or trim their nails during these 41 days (a duration similar to the Lent period). The final stretch of about 2km in this several hundred-kilometre pilgrimage is a steep climb where they literally weep and cry (the hill is called Azutha Mala in the local language, “crying hill”) due to the pain associated with the climb.

An aquaintance walked a distance of 1100 kilometres over a period of 38 days, at times sleeping in temples on the floor, or on the side of the road, receiving meals from temples (Annadanam or “free meal”), not having sufficient water to drink, and continuing the pilgrimage under any circumstance and in any weather, be it rain or sun or storm as per the prescribed austerity rules. The walk and the austere life is considered by the individual as a sacrifice to please the deity and as a means to attain holiness.

Unfortunately, the austerity lasts only 41 days and the other 324 days in the year, they are not required to follow this austerity, they live however they choose, often a very different life.

I have also seen devotees of a different deity, pierce their tongues, their cheeks or even walk miles pulling a chariot by hooks pierced into their sides (hooks in their sides connect to a chariot). And in yet another tradition, I witnessed people walk on their knees on sand for nearly a kilometre in order to fulfil their vows. Several religions require a person to undertake such efforts to attain Mukti, “final liberation”, but do they find rest in their souls?

Christ calls us to follow him. He says, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)

Christ made the “pilgrimage” for you and me – he came from heaven to earth. He subjected himself to “rules of austerity” (born in a stable). He carried the cross for you and me, so that we may attain Mukti. He was pierced, so we need not pierce ourselves, all we need to do is to listen to him, seek him and follow him in order to find rest for our souls – not only during the Lenten season, but forever!