As he walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea--for they were fishermen. And he said to them, "Follow me, and I will make you fish for people. Immediately they left their nets and followed him. Matthew 4:18-20
What is life outside your boat? Peter and Andrew took a chance to find out what life looked like outside their boat. Both of these fishermen were most likely solid people who were good at their trade. From childhood, they obeyed their parents. They knew the stories of the Torah, and could recite all the key passages from memory. As responsible fishermen, their livelihood created a living for both themselves and their family. What could this man called Jesus offer them in order for them to immediately leave their way of life in order to follow him?
The answer is the “calmness of salvation.” It is also something that the Christ offers us. We need to leave the security of the boat in which we live in order to walk on the shore. Most Christians carry with them an illusion of having already left their boat. We think we know what it is to follow Jesus. We regularly go to church, we recite the words of the Creed, we pray, we volunteer, and we make financial contributions. We hope that this is enough to get us into “heaven.”
Wait just a minute; the shore is firm and solid. How is it that we still feel like we are being swayed back and forth by the sea of life, caught in the fish nets of daily occupational demands, and being pulled into the emotional turmoil of past events and future worry? Are we really on the shore, or have we simply fooled ourselves?
Contemplation had been a major part of bringing peace into the life of the church until about 500 years ago. An emphasis on preaching and formalized education eventually eclipsed previous practices. The quiet ways of contemplation lost their importance, and the calmness found in salvation evaporated. This continues to be one of the biggest failings of the institutional church today. What was left was a system that imposed adherence to rules, threatened damnation for non-followers, and perpetuated feelings of anxiety, like that of trying to stand in a boat that is rocking. The words of Christ which proclaimed the peace and calmness of God fell silent.
The good news today is that there is always an opportunity to “ditch the boat,” and find the “calmness of salvation” which Jesus offers. St. Francis found that to be true when he jumped out of the boat leaving the trappings of a comfortable life for a life of contemplation and servanthood.
If you are looking for calmness, staying in the boat is not the best option. The boat offers little security. And, security is no less assured by acting or pretending that you and I are on the shore, when in fact, we never left the boat.
Remember that the Christ – the one who desires to support you as you jump from the boat – is already present. After you jump and find yourself walking on the shore in the “calmness of salvation,” you will then realize what it means to become a fisher for people. Others will find Christ in the center of your calmness. No extra net required.
Prayers and Blessings,
Fr. John
