It's difficult to imagine leaving everything behind, let alone actually doing it. It's human nature to take things with us. We're biologically hardwired to conserve and protect the resources we have, because centuries of evolution have taught us that if we don't we will perish. Through the lens of human biology, the decision of Simon and the sons of Zebedee to leave everything on the shore and follow Christ makes no sense. Quite frankly, on worldly terms, it's just stupid.

However, Simon and the sons of Zebedee had their eyes opened to the Divine that day. They experienced something that completely overrode their base, human instincts to preserve their lives and resources; the fullness and abundance and perfect love of God Himself in the flesh.

There's a quote from my confirmation saint, St. Isaac Jogues, that I think captures a bit of what Simon and the sons of Zebedee were feeling when they left everything on that shore. St. Isaac, a Jesuit missionary to the natives of North America, was enslaved and nearly killed on his first mission. Horribly maimed and disfigured, he escaped and sailed back to Europe. Once he got home, he boldly chose to return to America and evangelize his captors. On his final mission, St. Isaac wrote to his superiors in Europe. He told them he felt he would not return this time. Then, he wrote the following:

“When shall I begin to give myself completely to Him who has given Himself to me without reserve?”

If you were called, could you leave everything behind for Christ? Would you sacrifice everything for Him as He did for you?

Lord, teach us to detach from the things of this world and how to love and give of ourselves without reserve.