While each of the gospels record the call of the first apostles St. Lukes’ account has feels like the closest to what happened. Peter, Andrew and James and John would have been listening to Jesus for awhile and, no doubt, attracted to his message. But the decisive moment comes when Simon Peter responds to the Lord’s request. “Master, we have worked hard all night and have caught nothing, but at your command I will lower the nets.” Success beyond his wildest imagining! Peter wanted to be a prosperous fishermen and the miraculous catch was a dream come true, all that he had hoped for. But his very success brought him up short. In the movie, Out of Africa, the heroine says “When the gods wish to punish you, they give you want you want.” Jesus did not punish Peter but challenged him in giving him what he wanted. Is this really what you are made for or could you become more, more like the child of God you are made to be? Our blessings from God challenge us in a similar way.
