We are all instruments of God, created for specific purposes to make the world a better place. However, the mission of soul ministry is a unique calling where God chooses certain individuals and seeks their deliberate response. While all baptised Christians are called to influence the world through their actions and words, some are called to dedicate their entire lives to this sacred ministry. The call of Peter, James and John is a typical example of this invitation.
“As Jesus was walking along by the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net in the lake – for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, ‘Follow me and I will make you into fishers of men.’ And at once they left their nets and followed him. Going on a little further, he saw James, son of Zebedee and his brother John; they too were in their boat, mending their nets. He called them at once and, leaving their father Zebedee in the boat with the men he employed, they went after him.”
The Immediacy of response
Delay or procrastination can destroy the impact of a lifetime project. The immediate response of the disciples is a call to maximize every opportunity that comes to us. There are some opportunities that do not come twice. They left their means of livelihood and their family to follow Jesus. These men took a great risk when they had not fully understood the person of Jesus, daring the unknown.
Peter would later ask Jesus, “We have left everything to follow You! What then will there be for us?” Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on His glorious throne, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or fields for My sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life.” Matthew 19:27-29:
This shows that rewards of discipleship are both in life and eternity. He who calls us knows what we are made of. He knows our capacity. Whether as people who are specially called and set apart or as people expected to witness by their daily lives, all is called to win souls for the Lord. Every “yes” to God comes with blessings, both to us and those who will later benefits from fruits of our decision.
May our “yes” to God be wholehearted and sincere. May we follow him faithfully each day, unwavering in our commitment, and may no earthly concerns hinder us from responding to his divine call. Amen.
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