RBWords

     Great leaders usually have a great support group helping them to achieve their goals.  It is not easy, however, to put together such a group.  Ask any human resources manager!  I once saw a humorous item that claimed to be an assessment of candidates for Jesus' team.  One after another, the disciples are criticized.  Peter is considered to be emotionally unstable and impulsive.  James and John are considered to be politically ambitious.  Matthew has worked for the military occupation by Rome.  Simon the Zealot is considered a potential terrorist!  At the end of the list, the agency has positive things to say about only one of the potential disciples: Judas Iscariot!  He is seen to be practical and has good financial instincts!

     Jesus has inaugurated his ministry and has shown to the crowds that he has the power to do all that he has promised to do.  Now he has to put his "team" together.   The story of the miraculous catch of fish is found only in Luke.  Matthew and Mark report only that Jesus called Peter and Andrew and then James and John.  We are told only that they left their nets and boats and followed him.  Luke, however, adds an incentive.  After Peter lends Jesus his boat as a pulpit (!), Jesus repays the favor with a miracle!  Then we are told that they "left EVERYTHING" and followed him.  Jesus adds:  Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men!.   In the Gospel of John, there is no scene at boats and nets.  There is only the preaching of John the Baptist who points to Jesus and this convinces Andrew who goes and finds Peter, etc.  

     The call to discipleship comes to all of us who are baptized.  Unfortunately, baptism is most often seen as a past event that occurred when we were infants, instead of a present reality that continually summons us to "leave everything" and follow Jesus.  What "incentive" do we need to be convinced of that call?  Is the personal testimony of an acquaintance sufficient, as in the Gospel of John?  Is the simple "call" sufficient, as in Matthew and Mark?  Or do we need a big sign like the catch of fish in Luke?    If we want to be on Jesus' "team," we have to recognize that we have already been "called" in baptism.  It's up to us now to get untangled from the boats and nets and follow him.  AMEN