The call of St. Peter (Luke 5:1-11)

We see the impulsive St. Peter at his best in this Gospel passage. He drops everything and takes a risk. 'They left everything and followed him,'describes the way Peter, James and John reacted to seeing Jesus. When have you acted on impulse and followed your gut? When have you responded to God with such passion? The fact is that most of us keep our faith turned way down. St. Peter would have a few choice words for this kind of faith. He would likely shout,What's wrong with you people? Jesus Christ is among you. Act like it!' It is time we were willing to drop everything and follow Jesus. Let us think about what we need to leave behind to follow him: Whatever you think about the most—money, health, children, job, sports, food, drink—can get in the way of your life with Jesus Christ. Such preoccupations need to be dropped like the fisherman's nets. As we approach Lent it is good to take a hard look at our lives and sort out what we need to leave behind in order to keep pace with Jesus Christ. St. Peter didn't hesitate and neither should we. Nothing is more important than following Jesus Christ. Sit down and have a long talk with St. Peter. He'll be happy to tell you what needs to go.