Fishers of Men

The great spiritual author Thomas Dubay says that "lax people follow their feelings rather than principles, the world rather than the Gospel." (Fire Within)

Is there fire in our hearts? (cf. Lk. 12:49) Jesus was always a passionate person, wanting to share the Gospel message with everybody. When he was on the Sea of Galilee and saw the fishermen, he called them to be his disciples. He gave them a preview of their mission, although they would still need formation before they would be able to carry it out.

Formation

In our world, we are constantly invited to follow our feelings. It is rare to find somebody who is principle-driven. But this is part of the key to a happy life. Our feelings, on their own, rarely lead us to true happiness. We might seek a dopamine high, but we will not have lasting peace or joy. This is why it is important for us to dedicate ourselves to formation in true Christian principles that open to us the doors to joy.

Discipleship

This means that we need to learn. A disciple is a student, but not only somebody who is picking up on intellectual knowledge. He is also trying to learn to be like the master. This is the key to understanding our relationship with Christ. We do not merely want to know what he taught. We want to know him and be like him.

Apostolate

Once we are formed as disciples, we are able to carry out the missionary mandate. We can probably already do something, even if it is as simple as giving witness to the joy of the Gospel. "The joy of the Gospel fills the hearts and lives of all who encounter Jesus. Those who accept his offer of salvation are set free from sin, sorrow, inner emptiness, and loneliness." (Pope Francis, Evangelii Gaudium, 1)

If we learn to live according to the principles of the Gospel, we will have a purpose in our lives and be on the road to true joy. This is something so great that we have to share it with others.

Podcast on Anchor: https://anchor.fm/nicholas-sheehy/episodes/Fishers-of-Men-e1n9juj

Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0hfpDTjXg0baqbGj0W2Xal?si=QYD6jQJYTTKX7b7A6ww1eg

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fishers-of-men/id1643061045?i=1000578127750