Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Isaiah 6:1-2a, 3-8; 1 Corinthians 15: 1-11; Luke 5:1-11
Did you ever have your life turned upside down? You were happily going along with your everyday activities and, all of a sudden, everything changed. You were called to something more.
This was the case with Peter and his fishing partners in today’s gospel text. Peter had been a fisherman for as long as he could remember. He and James and John had grown up by that lake and were considered successful fishermen. Then Jesus got into Peter’s boat and the rest is history. Peter was called to change direction, abandon his comfortable role, and invited to consider something new.
Peter’s first response…”Oh, no, I’m unworthy, I’m sinful.” And Jesus tells him, “Do not be afraid.” Isn’t that often the case with us? We are called forth to do something new, something challenging, and we don’t even want to consider the possibility. We can think of a million reasons why it won’t work. We are afraid; we may be hesitant; we may be incredulous at the call. Yet Jesus is asking only for our willingness.
Once we are able to say yes, to open our hearts to Jesus, we will be touched, and we will be sent. However, we will have companions on the journey. We will be in good company and walk with all those other imperfect and hesitant people who dare to respond positively.
I invite you to imagine Jesus getting into your boat, your life today. Do you have the courage to let him stay with you?
Sr. Mary Ann Collins, OP
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