22nd Week in Ordinary Time : Thursday 4th September 2025

The calling of the first disciples of Jesus reminds us that it was not just their fishing boats (and father Zebedee) that they dispossessed; they also gave up their newly acquired wealth of two boatfuls of fish because of the miracle performed by Jesus. According to the research of Shelly Houser, the large haul of fish was equivalent to some 36 years’ worth of earnings for a fisherman. What then precisely enticed Peter and company to follow Jesus?

The answer is simply.Jesus Himself. Perhaps it was because the enormous catch of fish was something every fisherman knew to be impossible. Perhaps it was Peter’s realization that his prayer had been answered – when every surfacing of the net turned out empty despite the best of fishing conditions? Perhaps it was an epiphany that Peter saw inJesus, neither the Galilean carpenter nor the Master he had come to respect but one who not only taught with authority but had authority over humanity and nature!

Peter’s joy and excitement at the ridiculously large haul of fish was quickly replaced by the horrifying awareness of his sinfulness in the presence of a holy Master. Yet, Jesus dismissed Peter’s admission and called him and companions to follow Him. Becoming fishers of men is never easy. A “yes” toJesus is a lifetime of grace lavishly given to do the impossible like leaving behind a sizeable fortune for an unimaginably bigger one to come.

PRAYER Lord Jesus, let no miracles blind me from loving and serving You alone.