Day 7: The Call of the Disciples – “Leaving Everything to Follow Him”

Scripture Reading (Jerusalem Bible):

Luke 5:1-11
“Once while Jesus was standing beside the lake of Gennesaret, and the crowd was pressing in on Him to hear the word of God, He saw two boats there at the shore of the lake; the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little way from the shore. Then He sat down and taught the crowds from the boat. When He had finished speaking, He said to Simon, ‘Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch.’ Simon answered, ‘Master, we have worked all night long but have caught nothing. Yet if You say so, I will let down the nets.’ When they had done this, they caught so many fish that their nets were beginning to break. So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both boats, so that they began to sink. But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, ‘Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!’ For he and all who were with him were amazed at the catch of fish that they had taken; and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. Then Jesus said to Simon, ‘Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching people.’ When they had brought their boats to shore, they left everything and followed Him.”

Reflection:

The call of Simon Peter, James, and John is a moment of profound transformation. These ordinary fishermen encounter the extraordinary power of Jesus, and in an instant, their lives are forever changed. In the midst of their daily work—tired and likely discouraged after a fruitless night of fishing—they meet the Lord, who enters their lives with an invitation that will demand everything.

Simon Peter’s initial response is one of hesitation: “Master, we have worked all night long but have caught nothing. Yet if You say so, I will let down the nets.” His words reflect the struggle many of us feel when faced with God’s call. We see our own limitations, our failures, and our doubts, but Peter takes a step of faith. That simple act of obedience—trusting Jesus’ word—leads to an abundance beyond anything Peter could have imagined.

When the nets are miraculously filled, Peter falls to his knees, overwhelmed by the presence of holiness: “Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!” In this moment, Peter is confronted with his own unworthiness, yet Jesus does not turn away. Instead, He calls Peter deeper: “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching people.” This is the heart of discipleship—not that we are worthy, but that Christ’s grace transforms us and makes us capable of answering His call.

St. John Paul II spoke often of the courage required to follow Christ’s call: “Duc in altum! Put out into the deep! Do not be afraid to take risks for Christ. If He calls you, He will sustain you. Step forward with faith, and He will provide.”(Novo Millennio Ineunte, 2001)

This call to discipleship is not just for the apostles—it is for each of us. Jesus meets us in the ordinary moments of our lives, asking us to trust Him and to leave behind anything that holds us back. What are the “nets” in your life that you need to leave behind? Perhaps it is fear, pride, or attachment to comfort. Jesus invites us to lay these down and to follow Him wholeheartedly.

The call of the disciples also reminds us that we are not called alone. Simon Peter, James, and John leave their boats together, stepping into a community of faith. Who are the people God has placed in your life to walk this journey with you? How can you support one another as you seek to follow Christ?

The Desert Fathers often reflected on the call to leave everything for Christ. Abba Agathon once said: “If someone desires God, he must be ready to let go of everything else. A heart divided cannot fully belong to Him.”(Apophthegmata Patrum, Alphabetical Collection, Agathon 1) His words remind us that following Jesus requires a full surrender, not holding onto distractions or fears that prevent us from giving ourselves completely to Him.

Take a moment to reflect on Jesus’ words: “Do not be afraid.” Where is He calling you to trust Him more deeply? What risks is He inviting you to take for the sake of His kingdom? Ask for the courage to respond with the same faith and boldness as the disciples.

Reflection Questions:

1. What “nets” are you holding onto that might be preventing you from fully following Jesus?
2. How can you trust Jesus more deeply in the ordinary moments of your life?
3. Who are the people in your life that God has called to journey with you in faith, and how can you support one another?

Closing Prayer:

Lord Jesus, You called the disciples to leave everything and follow You. Help us to hear Your call in our own lives. Give us the courage to trust You, even when the path is uncertain. Teach us to let go of anything that holds us back and to follow You with our whole hearts. May we never be afraid to step out in faith, knowing that You are always with us. Amen.

Day 6: The Transfiguration – “Beholding the Glory of Christ”

Scripture Reading (Jerusalem Bible):

Matthew 17:1-9
“Six days later, Jesus took with Him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. And He was transfigured before them, and His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with Him. Then Peter said to Jesus, ‘Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, I will make three dwellings here, one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.’ While He was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud a voice said, ‘This is My Son, the Beloved; with Him I am well pleased; listen to Him!’ When the disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and were overcome by fear. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, ‘Get up and do not be afraid.’ And when they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus Himself alone.”

Reflection:

Today, we are invited to climb the mountain with Jesus and His closest disciples. This moment of Transfiguration is not just a glimpse of Christ’s divine glory, but a revelation meant to strengthen the disciples for the trials that lie ahead. In this dazzling display of light and majesty, they encounter the fullness of who Jesus is: both fully human and fully divine.

The Transfiguration is a reminder for us that in our journey of faith, God gives us moments of clarity, moments where His presence and glory shine through the veil of this world. These moments are gifts, not only to comfort us but to prepare us. Peter, James, and John will soon witness the agony of Gethsemane and the suffering of the cross. But here, on the mountain, they are reminded that the cross is not the end. The glory of Christ points forward to the resurrection and the hope of eternal life.

Notice Peter’s reaction: “Lord, it is good for us to be here.” How often do we long to remain in the comfort of these “mountaintop” experiences, forgetting that our mission lies back in the valleys of daily life? The voice of the Father breaks through Peter’s words, calling him—and us—not to remain still, but to listen: “This is My Son, the Beloved; listen to Him!” Discipleship is not about staying in comfort; it is about listening to Christ and following Him, even when the path leads through suffering.

St. Augustine reflects: “In His Transfiguration, Christ showed His disciples the splendor of His truth, that they might be strengthened for the scandal of the cross.” This is the paradox of our faith: the glory of God is revealed in both the brilliance of the mountaintop and the humility of the cross. The Transfiguration invites us to hold these two realities together, trusting that the light of Christ will guide us through the darkest valleys.

The Desert Fathers also reflected on the necessity of climbing the spiritual mountain in prayer. Abba Evagrius Ponticus taught: “If you desire to see the face of Christ, let your soul ascend the mountain of prayer and contemplation.” (Praktikos 67) His words remind us that the journey to God’s presence is not always easy. It requires effort, perseverance, and an openness to being transformed by the experience of His glory. But the reward is great: a deeper union with Christ, a heart strengthened for the trials of life, and a faith that is no longer shaken by suffering.

Take a moment now to reflect on the “mountaintop” moments in your own life. When have you experienced the glory of God in a way that filled your heart with joy and wonder? How have those moments strengthened your faith for the challenges that followed? Spend time in prayer asking Jesus to help you carry the memory of His glory into the struggles of daily life, trusting that He is with you in both the light and the darkness.

Reflection Questions:

1. How can you hold on to the glory of Christ in moments of difficulty or doubt?
2. What does it mean for you to “listen to Him” in the midst of life’s challenges?
3. How does the Transfiguration prepare you to trust in God’s plan, even when the path is unclear?

Closing Prayer:

Lord Jesus, You revealed Your glory on the mountain to strengthen Your disciples for the road ahead. Help us to hold onto the light of Your presence in moments of darkness and to trust in Your love when the path is hard. Teach us to listen to You and to follow wherever You lead, knowing that Your glory is always with us. Amen.