Working with the Word

Focusing the Gospel

Key words and phrases: Getting into one of the boats, at your command, I am a sinful man, left everything and followed him

To the point: In this Gospel story Peter begins by allowing Jesus to take command of his boat. He moves to allowing Jesus to take command of his heart, openly confessing the truth about himself (“I am a sinful man”). Finally, he allows Jesus to take command of his whole life (“left everything and followed him”). Like Peter, we are to allow Jesus to take command of us—our possessions, our hearts, our lives.

Connecting the Gospel …

… to the First Reading: Both Isaiah and Peter declare themselves to be sinful people. But the call of God comes to sinful people and in diverse places (Temple, boats). The call depends not on the individual or the place, but on the graciousness of God.

… to experience: Too often we feel the burden of discipleship rests solely on our own shoulders. The gospel depicts Jesus initiating the call—he comes to Peter at his boat; he invites Peter to follow. Our discipleship rests upon Jesus long before we begin to follow.

**From Saint Louis University