5th Sunday in Ordinary Time

My dear parishioners,

God is Good!!!  All the time!!!  And all the time!!!  God is Good!!!

Isaiah began his service as God’s prophet during the reign of King Uzziah. This vision comes in the year of that king’s death (742 BC). In the opening chapters of his book, Isaiah challenges king and people to change their ways because they are on a dangerous path. With this vision Isaiah receives instructions to offer the people promises of proximate deliverance, e.g. the birth of Immanuel (ch. 7). Perhaps such good news will also move them to change their ways.

Today’s Gospel describes Luke’s version of the call of the first disciples. It differs significantly from Mark 1:16–20. Luke’s story will strongly emphasize Jesus’ authoritative word. That powerful word will attract and capture Simon and the other disciples.

Listening to the word of God. The people crowd around Jesus to hear the word of God. To improve his speaking and their hearing, Jesus gets into Simon’s boat, available after a day’s work. Jesus requests that the boat move a short distance from the shore. This allows the water to amplify his voice, so the crowds can hear more easily. So far, Simon has done everything Jesus has asked him to do, but he has not spoken. We do not know what he is thinking.

Put out into deep waters. The intrigue increases when Jesus tells Simon to move the boat into deeper waters and lower the fishing nets. Simon has just washed and stowed his nets for the day. He mildly objects—while at the same time he recognizes the authority of Jesus’ command. His obedience to the word of Jesus results in a huge catch of fish. The catch is so big that it fills both boats, and the nets can barely hold all the fish without tearing.

Do not be afraid. All of this is far more than Simon could accept. Nevertheless, he recognizes that Jesus is someone special who speaks the word with authority; he pays Jesus homage by falling on his knees, confessing his unworthiness. Not only Simon but all those with him recognize the special power Jesus has just demonstrated. What is really happening here is that Jesus is calling Simon and his companions to discipleship. This call begins with the divine mandate, “Do not be afraid.” The goal of their fishing is going to switch from fish to humans. In effect, this represents Jesus commissioning Simon and his companions as disciples. The story closes with the comment that these new disciples have left everything and followed Jesus. The focus on “leaving everything” is a special emphasis characteristic of Luke. Possessions often symbolize power in Luke’s writings. Giving up power and the quest for it are required for following Jesus. It is an absolute for a disciple.

Excerpts from “Sunday Homily Helps”, is used by permission of Franciscan Media. www.FranciscanMedia.org. All rights reserved

 

Sincerely in Christ,

Fr. Aloysius