The call of the disciples can leave us with the impression that Jesus was either a hypnotist or cult leader.

After all, the text tells us that James and John, on-the-job fishermen, ‘immediately followed’ Jesus - without question or protest, even from their father.

We get this impression because we reason that to leave a settled job in the family business and to run off with a stranger, especially a mysterious religious teacher, must have been a risky proposition at best.

But what if we understood Jesus as the medical school admissions officer inviting two new students to join the freshman class? How quickly they might drop everything? How approving mom and dad might be?

In other words, what if following Jesus was a step up and not a step down? What if it was more about fulfilling our deepest dreams than rationalizing allegiance to a cult leader?

We followers know this but need reminding: there’s nothing more fulfilling than a life awash in service, overcome by generosity, and lost to love. We are blessed when we follow. For blessed are those who heed the call, for this is eternal life.