The evangelist Matthew tells us about the calling of the first disciples, which included Andrew. “As Jesus walked along the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. He said to them, ‘Come, follow me, and I will make you fishers of men’” (Matthew 4:18-19).
Perhaps what strikes us most is the speed with which Simon and Andrew, and then James and John, immediately left their nets and boats and followed Jesus. But I would like to dwell on a detail that I believe is not insignificant.
Jesus calls brothers. His first disciples are “fished” from a brotherhood. He calls them together.
And even if their stories will be unique to each of them, what is striking is Jesus’ preference for brotherhood, for relationships, for “groups.” Among other things, these pairs of brothers will mix.
In fact, at the end of the Gospel, we will see Simon Peter and John, like two sides of the same coin, running together toward the tomb after Mary Magdalene’s shocking announcement. One is truth and the other is love.
Let us reflect on all these details. And let us remember that sometimes God can reveal himself better and more decisively through certain meaningful relationships we have.
What matters is the ability to respond, not to procrastinate, not to think that nets and boats are worth more than Someone. Life is an adventure. We do not know how it will end (in fact, each of the Apostles died in unique places and circumstances), but we know for sure that it will end well.
And this is for the simple reason that the One who called us, who wanted us, who gave us life, does not make mistakes, does not fall asleep, does not get distracted, does not regret his love. An Apostle is a man who has been caught and sent out to fish in turn. He is someone who has been pursued and learns to follow.
