Leave Everything Behind

"When they brought their boats to the short, they left everything and followed him.” All three of the readings today have a similar theme. In the first reading, the Lord says to Isaiah, “Whom shall I send?” In the second reading, St Paul recounts how the Lord finally came to him after the resurrection. And finally in the gospel, Peter, James and John are convinced that something is special about this Jesus. “Leave everything behind” is a favourite theme with Jesus. He says it when he talks to those who want to know where he lives, to those who want to share more in the love of God, and to those who want to deepen their faith.

But the importance in Simon Peter’s response is not what he left behind, but what he picked up that day. He let go of himself and took up everyone else. His focus seemed to change from “me and mine” to “God and everyone else.” Peter did more that change his name and adopt a new lifestyle that day. He took Jesus’ challenge to love God and others as himself.

But what made this change possible? God spoke to him, God filled his life, God called him to action...and he responds. Are we in Peter’s position today? Perhaps, maybe, not quite as dramatic has Peter, but the truth is that this scene is happening every day. God is speaking to us. We hear God every time the Word is proclaimed. We hear God each time we gather to break the One Bread and share the One Cup. God speaks to us in the depths of our hearts, in the quiet moments of prayer. And we hear God speaking to us in and through each other. God is “recruiting” 365 days a year, but do we listen?

Even more difficult than believing God speaks to each one of us, is perhaps accepting that he fills our “nets.” Now for me, this is not God’s fault. He is doing plenty, but I seem to keep increasing the size of my net and the quality of the fish I want! More and more, rather than looking at what is, I keep on looking for more...

And be sure, God is constantly calling us to action. We tend to miss that or sometimes think he is talking to the person next to us, or the gospel is for someone like the next Mother Teresa, not someone like ourselves! God’s call to each of us is unwavering and clear, but its ultimate impact is determined by how we listen. You see, whether or not you choose to listen ...God is calling.

It seems to me that circumstances are perfect for us to respond just as positively as Peter did. God is speaking to us. God is filling our nets. God is challenging us. So how come we still find ourselves just “putting away the boat” at the end of the day instead of putting on our walking sandals and really following Him?

And it’s not like “fishing for people” is out of season either. In fact, even a simple glance reveals that our world needs the gospel more than ever. Our world is crying out for Good News...but do we listen?

Today’s Gospel is speaking to us. It is challenging us. We’re definitely in the same boat as Simon...the question is...are we willing to get out, like Peter?