These days, the numerous challenges of life could make one question their commitment to a life of discipleship. Does it pay to opt for the path of righteousness by following Jesus?
The words of Christ are spirit and life (John 6:63 -64) and the work of the authentic Christian is to believe in it ( John 6:27-29). To truly know is to be transformed by what one knows.

Peter must have already experienced the “miracle of encounter” that transformed him earlier on. In the words of Jesus to Andrew: “Come and see” in John 1:39, could be seen an invitation to an encounter that must have convinced Andrew to bring Peter to Jesus (c.f.John 1:39-42). “See” , in this context means, “come and experience for yourself”.

What did Andrew and the other disciple see? Not a mansion but a man who was fulfilled even without material things (Luke 9:58). He had nowhere to lay his head, but he was a happy man. He spoke about kingdom values of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit ( Roman 14:17). God alone is enough and His words are therapeutic and healing for the troubled soul. It is in this context that we could appreciate Peter’s classical response to the challenge thrown by Christ.

As we listen to the word of the Lord this day and subject ourselves to his love, may the power of our encounter with the word of life in the readings for the 21st Sunday of the ordinary time decimate all fears and anxieties bordering us and raise us unto the heights of boundless joy and hope through Christ Our Lord. Amen