HOMILY FOR THURSDAY OF TWENTY SECOND WEEK
IN THE ORDINARY TIME YEAR C,
BY REV FR EKESHIRI JUDE EMEKA CSSP.
(Colossians 1:9-14, Psalm 97:Luke 5:1-11).
An authentic experience of Jesus does not come smoothly, it comes with challenges and doubt in the midst of difficulties. It requires faith and trust to recognise who Jesus really is to us.
In the gospel of today, Jesus asked Peter to put out his net in the sea for a catch. But Simon was a bit reluctant because, he and his colleagues have been there all night struggling without getting anything. He said, “master, we worked hard all night long and caught nothing, but if you say so, I will pay out the nets.’ And when they had done this they netted such a huge number of fish that their nets began to tear, so they signalled to their companions in the other boat to come and help them; when these came, they filled the two boats to sinking point” (Luke 5:1-11).
Simon’s initial reaction in today’s Gospel, “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets,” qualifies him as Jesus’ true follower who will later be appointed leader of the apostles.
That expression, if you say so means a lot, it means a cry of deep faith and personal experience of Jesus. Peter did not hesitate to try. Most often, the problem with us is that, we give up so soon without even any thought of trying again. There is no harm in trying. When we have tried a thing and failed, we ought not to give up. All we need do is to keep trying and trying until we get what we want. Persistency pays a lot. Peter tried and he was surprised at what he got.
Even with a partial recognition of Jesus’ identity, Simon the expert fisherman is humble enough to listen and act according to Jesus exhortation. He is not only rewarded with a spectacular catch of fish, but also a lifelong journey of friendship and discipleship of Jesus. As he grows in his understanding of the Master, Simon also grows in acknowledgement of his own sinfulness: “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.” Simon’s attitude of humility and contrition is necessary in our own journey of discipleship.
Today, Jesus is calling us to have a special experience of Him and to keep trying in faith. When it seems that all is lost and life becomes too unbearable, that is when Jesus appears to say to us, put out your net for a catch. With faith and trust, let us obey Jesus and we will not be disappointed. Peace be with you.
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