Twenty-Second Thursday of Ordinary Time

When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at the knees of Jesus and said, "Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man." For astonishment at the catch of fish they had made seized him and all those with him, and likewise James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners of Simon. Jesus said to Simon, "Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men." When they brought their boats to the shore, they left everything and followed him.

Sometimes when God inspires us to do something, we can feel unworthy. We see our sinfulness and wonder how God could want someone like us to take on a new responsibility, to champion a cause, or take a leap of faith in our lives. However, God does not dwell upon our failures, sins, or imperfections. Instead He focuses on our potential for good. We can learn a lot from seeing ourselves through God's eyes and believing that although unworthy by ourselves, we are made worthy by the grace of God. It is for this reason that we should not be afraid to follow Christ and become fishers of men. Of course, this holy confidence also requires action and sometimes that action will involve giving up what's comfortable and familiar in life, to leave everything behind. This is perhaps most difficult when what we give up is good and joyful. However, we should be willing to take the next step upon the path to salvation even if it means detaching ourselves from good things and people because in the end everything good we give up for God will be repaid a thousand times over in Heaven.

What is God calling us to do? What is keeping us from doing His Will? How can we gain holy confidence in God's Will and following our calling?

O Lord, give us the grace to leave everything and follow you.

Amen.