and bringing them to salvation through her. The danger of sinking which threatened Peter’s little ship, signifies that the Church will be beset by many perils and persecutions. The rent in the net, through which so many of the fish escaped, means that many souls will be lost to the Church by schism and heresy. The first “draught of fish” (i. e. of souls) which Peter made on the day of Pentecost, was an extraordinay one, 3000 being baptized. And after his second discourse, when he had cured the lame man, the number of those baptized amounted to 5000. The conversion of the world by ignorant fishermen is one of God’s greatest miracles. To this very day the Pope, St. Peter’s successor, keeps sending forth his fishermen into all parts of the world, in as much as he alone gives real power and jurisdiction to bishops, priests, and missionaries to teach the truth of Jesus Christ and to sanctify souls by His Sacraments.
Listening to the word of God. The way that the crowd pressed round Jesus to hear Him is an example to us of the zeal, with which we should listen to God’s word.
Industry. “We have toiled all the night”, said St. Peter. Industry is a virtue, whereas sloth is a sin.
The Blessing of God. In all our occupations we should bear in mind that nothing can prosper without God’s blessing.
St. Peter’s virtues, as shown by this story: 1. Faith. He believed that he would not put out to sea in vain, if he did so at our Lord’s bidding. 2. Obedience. 3. Humility. “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.” Because he humbled himself, our Lord exalted him, and called him, before the others, to be a fisher of men. 4. Love of Jesus. He left all and followed Him.
The following of Christ is the way of virtue and perfection. We need not forsake everything as did the Apostles, but we must follow the example given to us by our Lord, if we would be with them in heaven. “Christ also suffered for us, leaving you an example that you should follow His steps” (1 Pet. 2, 21). He who wishes to be a real Christian must not only believe in Christ, but must follow Him, i. e. must imitate His virtues, His love of God and of His neighbour, His obedience, humility, meekness &c.
Application. Do you like work? Do you learn your lessons well and regularly? Do you help without grumbling in the work about the house given you to do by your parents? Do you work with a good intention? Whenever you are told to do anything distasteful to you, say to yourself: “O Jesus, I will do this for love of Thee!”
