Embracing the Unexpected

When I heard this week’s Gospel as a younger man, the disciples leaving their boats on the shore and following Jesus was not noteworthy to me. Half the people I knew had boats and if someone gave one away, it would not have been a big deal.

Then I learned in a Scripture class that boats in Jesus’ time were hard to come by, difficult to make, and relied upon for livelihood. For the disciples to leave the boats is the equivalent of someone today permanently surrendering a college degree, medical license, or other livelihood.

Leaving the boats suddenly became a very powerful thing when I reread today’s passage.

I can only imagine how intimidating and scary it was for the disciples to be led into the unknown and simply asked to trust. When I reflect on this in regard to mental health, I think about how quickly our lives can change when we least expect it. Illness, an accident, death of a loved one, or losing a job can change our life in very dramatic ways. We are left feeling numb and, like the disciples, exploring unknown territory.

I imagine that trust was difficult at times for the disciples. I’m sure that they second-guessed many things about Jesus and about their decision to follow Him. After all, they were still very much human.

However, the continued trust that the disciples had in Jesus taught them new ways of thinking, loving, and praying that resulted in peace and their sainthood. When our lives take an unexpected turn, good or bad, it is important that we remain mindful of God’s presence in all of it and our need to remain faithful, trusting, and prayerful.

If you find that your life is different than you thought it would be or has recently taken an unexpected turn, consider reflecting on the disciples from today’s Gospel and the uncertainty that was replaced with trust in Jesus.