Be an Apostle like the Blessed Mother Mary

Be an Apostle like the Blessed Mother Mary

Faith and Obedience are essential of being an apostolate.  The blessed Mother Mary knew this from the beginning, before she was ever called to be the Mother of our God, she already had the grace of faith and obedience, thus making her really the first practicing apostolate

We can also use Peter's experience with Jesus from the scriptures, which is more relatable to us: Luke 5

Peter told Our Lord that they had been working all night and had caught nothing. The fisherman's reply seemed reasonable enough The night hours were they normally fish.
What was the point of fishing by day? But Peter has faith: 'Nevertheless, at your word I will let down the net' He decides to act on Christ's request. Although they are tired, and although it is not a man of the sea who gives the order, and although the fishermen are well aware that the time is all wrong for fishing; although they know perfectly well there are no fish around, they put all hands to lowering the nets. Now, purely out of faith, purely out of trust in Jesus, they simply dismiss from their minds those considerations that normally would tell
them whether fishing was advisable or not. What sets them to work again is Peter's faith in his Master. Simon simply obeys and trusts.

Once again, the apostolate, faith and obedience are indispensable.  Without obedience, everything is use less in God's eyes.  Any type of work or action to help is fruitless unless we carry out God's will, Saint John Chrysostom notes:  God does not need our work but he needs our obedience.   
This is something Mary did, she was obedient even to the point when she said "yes" to bearing God, knowing the earthly difficulties involved, such as explaining to Joseph her pregnancy, etc.
 
Our lord call us to follow him closely and to be apostle in the middle of the world, like Mary did.  Apostolic effectiveness depends on our union with Christ

The miracle of the fish caught teaches a lesson, it is only when we acknowledge our own uselessness or sin and put our trust in the lord  that the apostolate is effective and fruitful, once again like our Mother


But going back to Peter

Peter is amazed at the miracle. and is when in a single instant he sees everything with great clarity. Christ's omnipotence and wisdom; his own calling and his unworthiness. He
throws himself down at the feet of Jesus as soon as they come to land. Depar from me, he says, for I am a sinful man. He acknowledges the loftiness of Christ's great dignity, his own wretchedness and his obvious lack of ability to carry out the mission of which he already has a presented

  Then Our Lord takes away his fear and reveals to him in all its clarity the new meaning of his life: Do not be afraid; henceforth you will be catching men. Jesus draws on Peter's
occupation, in the pursuance of which He had sought him out, to make known to him his mission as an Apostle. The awareness of God's holiness and of our condition as sinners
does not separate men from God, but rather brings men closer to hint Moreover, once a man has been convened, he declares his faith openly and becomes an apostle

Our Lord calls all of us to be apostles in the middle of the world, whether we are sitting by a computer, or follow-ing the plough, in the great city or in a little village.  Whatever condition you are sick or healthy, each of us in his own way are called by our lord to the perfections of sanctity.

John 15:16 You did not choose me, but I chose you, just like Mary was chosen to help redeem the world and accepted God's will

Ask Mary to help you make up your mind to share the desires of sowing and fishing that fill the heart of her Son.  I can assure you that if you begin you will see the boat filled , just like the fishermen from Galilee. And you will find Christ on the shore, waiting for you.

Reflection from Maria Legionis 2013 and "Conversation with God" Fr. Fernandez