Readings:
1 Corinthians 3:18-23
Luke 5:1-11
Reflection
One thing is for certain – as a professional fisherman, Peter didn’t like a carpenter telling him how to fish. He and his companions had been working all night and after a fruitless effort, no doubt adding pressure to their financial concerns, they were cleaning their nets and no doubt looking forward to at least getting some sleep in the hope that the following night’s efforts might yield a better result. So for a ‘holy man’ to commandeer his boat to teach the crowd, Peter’s mood would only have darkened, as can be gleaned from his sarcastic reply when Jesus asks him to put out from shore and lay out their nets for a catch. Like the first reading invites us to see, Peter believed he was wise in the ways of the world. He discovered he knew nothing when faced with a man whose wisdom went beyond this world. Having learned humility, Peter admits his limitations, not unlike the post-resurrection story from John’s Gospel where Jesus asks him 3 times if he loves him. And, like in the story from John’s Gospel, Jesus calls Peter to a higher vocation than just fishing. It is as if Jesus is saying to him, “Now that you have learned humility, you are ready to lead my flock. Now you will have the self-awareness and necessary compassion to gather in the lost sheep.” The person who thinks they know everything, and readily passes judgement or condemnation on others, will never be a ‘fisher of men.’
Fr. Ray Sanchez CP is the leader of the Oxley community and is responsible for Parish Missions and Retreats throughout Australia and NZ.