There is something so exhilarating, so enthralling about today’s gospel describing how Peter, after the miraculous catch of all that fish, dropped everything and followed Jesus. At times, we may be so tempted to drop everything and start fresh, like in the movies when people ran off to the circus or get on horse to ride to Omaha. Unfortunately, because of our commitments to spouse, children, and work, dropping everything and heading to the proverbial west is out of the question. Perhaps today’s gospel can encourage us. Instead of dropping everything, identify just one thing we can drop that will help us move closer to the Lord. Ignatius of Loyola wisely recommends in the “First Week” of the Spiritual Exercises an examination of conscience in which we direct our attention to one fault and work for its eradication. Wise spiritual director that he was, he admonished those who undertook this exercise not to be fooled into thinking more is better. Progress towards spiritual growth comes more surely in small steps, not in vast intentions.