Continuity and call

Today’s Gospel (Matthew 4:18-22) presents us with the call of the first disciples by our Lord and savior Jesus Christ, including that of Saint Andrew, whose feast we celebrate today.

The Gospel makes clear that the call of the Lord involves a dramatic change in life: these disciples had to leave behind their livelihoods and even their parents.

But there is also an element of continuity in the call of the Lord, as he says to fisherman: “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.”

Peter, Andrew and the others would bring to their discipleship and to their ministry the virtuous attitudes, disciplines, and skills of fishermen, such as extreme patience, perseverance, readiness for quick and hard work, and willingness to explore.

Our Lord Jesus Christ says to us: Come after me.

What virtuous attitudes, disciplines, and skills can we bring?