Pope Francis has called Catholics to become “missionary disciples.” The founder of my religious congregation, Fr. Judge, had a similar idea when he said “Every Catholic is called to be an apostle.” For most of us the idea of being a missionary or being an apostle can be overwhelming. We’re not that confident in our own faith. How can we be sharing faith with others? The story of Jesus calling Peter and the other fishermen to become apostles illustrates an important truth about our own call. The story starts — for Peter and for us — with Jesus teaching. We are attracted by the word of love, forgiveness and compassion he shares. Then Jesus asked him to put out a short distance from the shore. Short distance, I can do that. But as Jesus continues to preach, the Word enters more deeply into Peter’s heart. Then he is ready to hear the invitation: “Put out into deep water.” Peter is reluctant, and then he is resistant, but the experience of encounter with Jesus makes it possible for him to trust that what God asks of him is what is best so he left everything and followed him. We too become missionary disciples one step at a time.
