In this week’s Gospel from Luke 5:1-11, Jesus performs one of his many miracles. Simon, the apostle, says, “We have worked hard all night and have caught nothing.” Despite his frustrations, Jesus’s command to lower the nets is powerful enough for him to listen. After this, he caught such an abundance of fish that their nets were about to rip and they needed help from the other men. Two boats became completely filled, so much so that the “boats were in danger of sinking.” After this, the men who watched this wonder happen right before their eyes left everything and followed Jesus. The surprising amount of fish brought a great amount of work. No one man could do all of this alone. They recognized the need to work together with the same goal. Despite their differences, they all went as one with Jesus in the end.

Today, there is a larger need than ever to help others, no matter how different they are from us. Attending Neumann makes this challenge easier. Students receive emails weekly about volunteering around the community or even right next door at the convent with the sisters. Through Campus Ministry, there is always a retreat that we can take part in. This not only benefits those in need but it helps us to grow. Doing good for others and ourselves, like the fishermen, allows us to follow the word of Jesus and reflect His image. In Him, we all come together as one in order to obtain the same goals, and ultimately, get to Heaven. Many people would have a difficult time leaving everything for God in a spur of the moment decision. These men left their nets and boats which they depended on to feed themselves and their family. In order to do that, they needed complete trust that everything would be okay. Their faith was strong enough to make this choice and start new. It makes me wonder, what would we have to leave in order to follow Jesus? Our family, friends, dreams, talents? It may not be as easy of a decision as we would hope. With strong faith, we can be prepared to do this, no matter what it means leaving behind. There is nothing greater than God’s love for us.