Put Down Your Nets

   My sister and brother-in-law invited me to go fishing with them on Lake Michigan. I hadn't been fishing since my childhood.  I boarded the fishing boat that I realized I was completely out of my element. The boat panel could determine the number of fish near us,  their location from the surface, the temperature of the water, and our desired path. Within minutes, we were miles from shore and setting up several different fishing lines. The boat rocked back and forth with each wave. My stomach rocked back and forth as well. It was becoming quite obvious I was not prepared for this adventure. Unfortunately, my motion sickness made us head for land much sooner than we had anticipated. 

 My experience made me think about the apostles. A number of them were fishermen.  They were very comfortable at sea. That was how they made their living. Jesus, however, asked them to put down their nets and their plans and follow Him. Jesus wanted them to evangelize the world. I imagine some of the apostles may have felt out of their element. Preaching the word of God to family and neighbors and crowds of strangers may have made them a bit uncomfortable in the beginning. Fortunately for all of us, they had not allowed any of their queasy feelings to stop them from doing what Jesus was calling them to do. 

 Evangelizing is not an easy job. It was not easy for the apostles. I imagine they had their moments of doubt and frustration. We do not know if any of them had a natural gift to speak in front of crowds, but we do know they relied on the gift of the Holy Spirit to speak through them. Jesus is asking us to do the same. Go out into your world and tell others about the encompassing love God has for every person. It will not be an easy task. It never was. God is calling each of us to put down our nets that hold our fears and queasiness and proclaim the Good News! Trust that the Holy Spirit will speak through you as well. 

-Susan