Noted Catholic psychiatrist and writer Gerald May talks about his experience in working with the elderly. He says that emotional pain is what brings them to him; they hope he has the magic solution to helping them become pain-free. In therapy, though they are not always set free from their sufferings, they begin to discover new meaning for their lives. In this context, they learn to see beyond their pain into a great plan that God has for their lives.
Today, as we join Jesus’ pilgrimage through Advent, we learn about how to find new meaning in our lives (Matthew 4:18-22).
“As Jesus was walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon, who is called Peter, and his brother Andrew, casting a net into the sea; they were fishermen.”
What about Andrew? What was his purpose in life? He was probably Peter’s “under study” learning the fishing business. Down the road, perhaps, he would meet a fine Jewish girl, get married, and settle in Bethsaida to raise a family. He would spend his life as an insignificant fisherman going through the routine of life in this remote fishing town.
“(Jesus) said to them, ‘Come after me and I will make you fishers of men.’”
Jesus was offering Andrew and Peter an expanded vision for their lives. There was something beyond Bethsaida, their families, and their fishing business. The greatest work in the world was that of salvation—rescuing people from the sea of darkness and bringing them into the light of God’s kingdom. Andrew and Peter were hand-picked by God to help in this work.
“At once they left their nets and followed him.”
Do you think that Andrew is glad that he made the decision to follow Jesus? Do you think he had any idea of how this would change his future? This humble man from an obscure fishing village became one of the foundation stones for the greatest enterprise ever begun on this earth—the Church. After Pentecost, he went out to evangelize and caught many “fish” for Jesus. Think how famous he is now. In our city I know of several churches named after him, a nursing home, and a well-known road. Andrew’s role in the history of the world continues to be played out. It all began that day by the lake when he let go of his net and followed Jesus.
Each of us is busy today with our “nets” in whatever form this may take. We are preoccupied with our duties in life and motivated perhaps by “getting things done.” Then, out of nowhere, Jesus steps into the room. When we look up, we see him smiling at us. He says, “I have a new purpose for your life. Let go of your net and follow me. These are desperate times, and many souls are “lost at sea.” I need you to help me rescue them.” Though these words may not make sense to us, and we have no idea how we can help save souls, we do just what Andrew and Peter did, we get up and follow Jesus. When we give our total “yes” to him, he takes care of the rest.
We focus on St. Andrew today, because this is his feast day. He steps up to the pulpit today to invite us to imitate him, let go of our nets, and follow Jesus. He reminds us of how God can take insignificant people and train them to be “fishers of men.” What better way to begin our Advent journey!
“Come after me” (Matthew 4:19).
