As St. Luke describes it the call of the first disciples shows that following Jesus took some getting used to. First Jesus asked Simon something easy — can I use your boat? Sure. Then something harder: throw your nets for a catch. If you say so, Lord, I’ll try it. Then, follow me. “Leave me, Lord, for I am a sinner,” is Simon’s initial reaction. I’m just an ordinary guy — don’t ask too much of me. But Jesus isn’t buying it — he sees great potential in Simon, soon to be Peter. Jesus calls us with the same gentleness to follow him more and more closely. Come to Church. Sure. Forgive your enemies, give to those in need. If you say so, Lord. Follow me — no excuses, Jesus sees that each one of us can be a bearer of good news.
