Jesus left Nazareth and went to live by Capernaum by the sea we find out in today’s gospel. There it is that he calls his Apostles, the 12 men who will journey with him, some of whom are fishermen who leave their nets to follow him. He promises them much more than catching fish; they will coax people into their nets now. They left immediately to follow him and did not turn back. What did that odd phrase mean to them: “I will make you fishers of men”? Whatever it was, they did not hesitate for a second. When was the last time you did something that required no thinking, no second-guessing, no need for assurance by anyone else?

The psalmist says that he will wait for the Lord with courage, because God is his light and salvation. The first reading announces that those who walked in darkness have seen a great light.When the light shines, perhaps that is what suddenly makes everything that you need crystal clear to make a decision to leave everything. It is not that you can see the path ahead completely, but there is a compelling reason that draws you to an absolute yes and allows you the freedom to know that ultimately this is the path you take. You hang your “gone fishin'” sign on the door, and, not without some trepidation, you walk away and follow that Light, knowing that everything you wanted is right there in this moment with your yes.

Peace,

Suzanne