Daily Reflections

September 1, 2011
Jesus Says, Simon Follows!

This may be the story of the call of Peter, but in essence, it is everyone’s call to be a Christian. The circumstances of the call reveals to us who we really are and who Jesus really is.
Peter had just come back from an all-night fishing job when Jesus approached him and requested him to put his boat ashore so He could teach. Peter, by then, must already have heard Jesus’ talks. He must have been moved by His teachings, such that when Jesus commanded him to go out again and catch fish, He wanted to follow Him except that he knew there was nothing more to catch. Remember, Peter was a veteran fisherman. He had been at the job for a long time. He knew his craft well. He knew the sea, the weather, the fish, etc. Later, however, he would realize that the Lord knew better. He was not able to restrain himself from questioning the Lord. But because of what he heard from the Lord’s teaching, he followed Jesus’ command. Proven wrong, Peter saw Jesus in a deeper way. Maybe a beatific vision that prompted him to kneel before Jesus and admit to his unworthiness.
Crucial to Peter’s conversion was listening first to the Lord. It should be the same with us. Listening here doesn’t just mean hearing the spoken word but also understanding it. The Lord had spoken from the heart, therefore, we must listen from the heart.
Peter must have had some questions or objections, but having felt and heard the Lord’s presence, his faith rather than experience prevailed. The Lord’s will over his will. The Lord’s authority more than his. In short, Peter simply put everything in Jesus’ hands.
The miracle of the catch not only astonished Peter but also those around him who had also heard the Lord. It was enough for them to make a decision to leave everything and follow Jesus. It is symbolic of the fact that when we find the Lord, everything becomes dispensable. Having found the Lord completes us. We will never be wanting of anything or anyone. The Lord alone is enough. Fr. Benny Tuazon

Reflection Question:
Have you ever felt God calling you to follow Him or to do something for Him? How did you respond?

Lord, open my ears, my mind and my heart to listen to Your call. Make my feet and hands ever ready to do what You want me to do. Amen.

St. Fiacre, pray for us.