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The call of the first disciples (Mt 4,
18-22)
- And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren,
Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into
the sea: for they were fishers. And he says unto them, "Follow
me, and I will make you fishers of men"-
Studying this text, the children at the catechism understood
first that Simon and Andrew were going to have a change of job.
Used to job mobility, the children knew quickly the stake of
the words: for they were fishers. And he says unto them, "Follow
me, and I will make you fishers of men" It seems that
the disciples are quick to answer because it is a job that is
better than the one they had already: higher in salary? More
interesting? New insights? Many contacts with people? Easier
work? New manager more attractive? It is hard to answer but the
rest of the text tells that some thing unusual is coming.
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And they straightway left their nets, and followed him…and
they immediately left the ship and their father, and followed
him. |
The children did not take for granted this radical statement.
They did not believe in such an instantaneous rupture. It is
true that the radical statements of certain passages of the Gospel
can push you to reject and lose interest for an impossible proposed
way. In spite of their limited experience, they could not consider
these men like hotheads or irresponsible persons. Before risking
a new adventure, they had to settle important matters: care for
their family at home (Peter was married and probably had children),
professional status (James and John had a family business with
employees), the safeguard of their tools: ship, nets… In
different parts of the Gospel, Jesus goes on board a ship and
after the death of Jesus they resume their previous profession.
However, coming back to the text, the children were asking what
means "immediately"? Still referring themselves to
changing of profession, they know that there is a risk even though
all necessary precautions have been taken, not only for oneself
but also for the family depending on you. There is the part of
the unknown that we accept after much thinking. There is also
the attraction for something new, the hope for a better future.
At this point we have to consider the personality of Jesus. Their
first meeting with Jesus will be confirmed later to them. Jesus
was having an overwhelming power. His manner of looking at people,
his confidence in you, the way he gave you strength and confidence
in yourselves, all these ways of doing were certainly a decisive
factor for the first disciples in making their choice. They were
touched at heart; a growing affection and a given confidence
in themselves made them able to overcome the last obstacles and
to take a leap into the unknown. |
