One of the striking things about the story of Jesus calling his disciples is that there is no discussion, no questioning, they simply up and follow. In John’s version (Jn 1:35-42) it isn’t even Jesus who initiates the process. It’s John the Baptist who says something that triggers the first two disciples to turn and follow Jesus. And away they go.
We may identify rather more with the almost comical doubt and confusion described in the story of Samuel’s call (1 Sm 3:3b-10, 19). That process is more in line with the experience that we have – and not just at the beginning. We know about the ongoing struggle to sustain and develop a relationship that is not always easy, or clear, or certain. And in case you were thinking you were somehow special in that regard, read the life of just about any saint and you’ll hear the same story. Relationships are hard, whether with God or anyone else.
So what about the apostles? Are they really in some different, superhuman category, never suffering any uncertainty or confusion? I rather doubt it. The point of today’s story is not to describe that day in the life of Andrew or John, or even to reflect on the process of choosing to follow Jesus – it doesn’t do either of those things. It shows the final result of the process that they started on. We know they had their ups and downs, they are described elsewhere. Peter, for one, clearly got very confused on multiple occasions. And the example of a disciple who we prefer not to think about, Judas, shows just how wrong the whole process could go.
So we see at the beginning of Jesus’ mission an idealized picture of discipleship. It tells of the assurance that the early church took from those first disciples who had traveled through crucifixion and resurrection to their security of faith. We see them not as exemplars of a process, but as heroes that we can look up to, in many ways not so different to our sporting heroes who we recognize and admire in their success, not caring for the effort it took to get them there.
But as with those sporting heroes, if we want to do more than stand on the sidelines and cheer, if we want to achieve something of what they have achieved, then we do need to understand what it took to get there – how to remain committed to the goal even when we seem to be making no progress or even going backwards, or simply feel the effort isn’t worth it. Those are the moments when we need people around us, whether it be Eli mentoring Samuel, or John the Baptist pointing out “yes this is the guy”. We don’t do any of this alone, and we need to seek out those around who will help and support us as we respond to the call.