5th Sunday of Ordinary Time (C)

February 8,2004

by Rev. Herbert Nichols

God has no shortage of surprises. Nor will he ever be at a loss to be with us if we likewise choose to be with Him. Isaiah, Peter and Paul, all different personalities, as well as times and places; yet each responded in their own way to an experience of faith.

When Jesus tells Peter to cast out his net, this professionally seasoned fisherman looks at the carpenter whose hands have probably never touched salt water and responded: We have been fishing all night. I know these waters; but I do not know you.

But attracted to Jesus hypnotic eyes, knowing that it makes no logical sense, he orders the net to be thrown one more time, perhaps a bit sarcastically; but what a surprise.

When Jesus desires to demonstrate a point, He does so with emphasis. He punctuates his words with works. It is not enough to provide a good size catch, the sheer quantity threatens to "tear the nets and sink the boat".

It is almost as if Jesus is responding: You want fish; how many will it take to convince you? While struggling to take in the catch of a life time dream, they suddenly realize that there is more to life than fishing; and they are ready to abandon it all in order to follow Him.

Sometimes in receiving the things we crave for most, we realize they can never provide ultimate satisfaction or meaning in life. In spiritual tradition there is a belief that every individual has been created for his/her own unique purpose, like pieces of a puzzle in God’s plan, no two are alike, though some may appear very similar. Each of us has a place, purpose, and niche that belongs to no one else and can be filled by no one else. Recognizing that, we awaken to the surprise of our "personal dignity" before God and one another.

But if we remain mesmerized by the size of the catch, by the quantity, however, we define it, than we are distracted from the recognition of the reality of who we are.

Whether or not you are young and inexperienced like Isaiah say: Here I am. Whether or not you are professionally trained and talented like Paul say: It is by the grace of God that I am what I am. And if, like Peter, you are stubborn and slow to see the viewpoint of others, simply say: Lord, I am a sinner.

The point of all three readings this morning is that there is room in the kingdom of God for all types of people; you do not have to be perfect or holy. God did not choose perfect disciples but attracts us and invites us to share in His Holiness, if we so choose.