In these readings with Peter, I again confront myself. I imagine Peter being told to follow Jesus’ command and wondering, “Really?” As an experienced fisherman, Peter knew the familiar waters were empty, yet he followed the directive. He allowed God’s surprise in the overflow of fish, his boat nearly toppled over, his life changed forever. Peter’s acceptance yielded to God’s way.
How often have I followed my way as best and been unwilling to listen to God’s words? How often have I relied on my smarts, only to crumble in a humble pile when I realize my stubbornness again yields renewed pain and heartache? In my insistence that I am right or in my fear of the unknown, how often have I avoided the joy of God’s surprise? Can I let Peter deepen my path to God as I risk trusting the voice that sends me on new paths?
—Mary Burke-Peterson is a parishioner at St. Nicholas Church, Evanston, an active volunteer in the Ignatian Spirituality Project, and a graduate student at Institute for Pastoral Studies at Loyola University.