The gospel today is awesome in so many ways. It tells the story about how Jesus called his disciples by the lake of Gennesaret. Simon, James and John were fishermen and they were busy washing their nets at the time. However, before we delve into the gospel, it might be a good idea to go back and take another look at the first reading for Mass, in light of the gospel.
In the first reading from the first letter of Saint Paul to the Corinthians, Paul writes:
“If anyone among you considers himself wise in this age, let him become a fool, so as to become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in the eyes of God.”
That’s exactly what Simon (Peter) did in the gospel today. He made a fool of himself when he first encountered Jesus and realized that he was, at the very least, a holy man sent by God. Peter would not have known that Jesus was the Messiah yet, because it was the first time he ever met the Lord. But, he at least understood that he was standing in the presence of a very holy person. After Peter realized that Jesus had performed a miracle, with the great catch of fish, he exclaimed:
“Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man.”
What awesome words these are! Standing next to the holiness of the Lord, Peter became acutely aware of his own sins. He did not feel worthy to stand in Christ’s presence. Peter probably didn’t really know how to act, and just impulsively responded to the situation, as best he could.
Simon Peter was very impulsive and not a perfect person, but at least he readily admitted it. Maybe that is why Jesus loved him so much. He was so genuine.
Jesus saw right through Peter’s imperfections though. He realized that Peter had the potential for greatness, when he said, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.
Anyone else who walked by Simon Peter, James and John that day, would not have given them a second thought, because they were just common laborers. It would be similar to how modern people walk by construction workers in public places, without ever really noticing them.
Jesus didn’t see Peter and the other fishermen that way, though. What these men did for a living didn’t matter to the Lord at all. He only saw their potential greatness, for a different line of ‘work’ than what they were currently doing. He had something new in mind for them, to work for the Kingdom of God.
Saint Peter and the other fishermen in today’s gospel were not who they appeared to be on the surface of things. There is a lot more to people than what we see on the surface of things too. What they look like, what they do for a living, how wealthy or poor they are, what kind of possessions they have, and even how intelligent they may or may not be, doesn’t matter to the Lord. Why does it matter to us? Everyone can be of service to Jesus with the gifts, talents and abilities they already have, some of which lie hidden and undeveloped inside of them.
The gospel ends today by telling us that Peter, James and John brought their boats to the shore, and then left everything and followed Jesus. The normal routine of their day was suddenly turned upside down, and they just followed their heart, to see where Jesus would lead them. That is why today’s gospel is known as, “The Calling of the Disciples” and is often made reference to in connection with the modern day call to the priesthood. Our priests do the same thing that Peter, James and John did. Christ calls them, and they just follow their heart to see where he might lead them.
What about you? Have you ever felt a gentle tugging at your heart to pursue something you have never done before? A nagging feeling that just won’t go away? Obviously, men are called to the priesthood and young women are called to the religious life this way, but Jesus may have a plan for your life too.
Mother Theresa received a “call within a call”. In other words, she was called to her vocation as a nun, but then the Lord called her to something else, in the context of her existing vocation. The same thing can happen to anyone, a priest, religious, or a married person.
The challenge from today’s scriptures might be to pay more attention to the promptings of the Holy Spirit, during the quiet, routine moments of our lives. Jesus still sends the Holy Spirit in the quiet moments, to call a person to something new, just like he did Mother Theresa on the train ride. She was just sitting on the train watching the scenery go by, when she heard the Lord’s call to serve the poor, as her life’s work. And, Peter, James and John were just washing their fishing nets when Jesus called them.
Jesus might have a plan for your life too, that could surprise you, and lead you in paths that you can’t even begin to imagine right now, if you remain open to the promptings of the Holy Spirit.
Daily Mass Readings:
1 Corinthians 3: 18-23 / Psalm 24 / Luke 5: 1-11
