Deacon
Tom writes,
“Depart From Me, Lord”
Simple amazement at catching a boatload of fish
overwhelms Peter and gives him some insight into the person of Jesus. But
Peter’s initial reaction is to resist Jesus telling him, “Depart from me, Lord”. Luke is the only Evangelist to record this
episode from the beginning of Jesus’ ministry and yet, this brief story speaks
volumes about our own call to serve God. Like Peter, we too often tell Jesus to
“hit the road”. To some extent, this is a natural response. We all know that we
are sinners and can claim for ourselves Peter’s confession before the Lord, “I am a sinner”. But, God is patient, a
characteristic essential for anglers, who casts out his line and waits for
something to happen.
That waiting is what we call life. God is calling us
constantly from the day of our birth. He is calling us to be good children as
we begin to form our consciences; he calls us to be good students and to learn
about the wonders of the universe he has created; he calls us to build healthy,
positive relationships with one another. God calls us into an intimate
relationship with him through a sacramental life that nourishes us and draws us
close to him through marriage and family life or as individuals who embrace a
life of celibacy. God calls us into service to one another by the vocations
that we choose: fireman, lawyer, teacher, or those who profess vows as
religious sisters or brothers, or as clergy be it as priest or deacon. We are
all called to a specific task God has in store for us also, a task that only we
can fulfill. And, our calling is not a one-time event. We are called each and every
day to live our lives faithfully by doing those things we have been called to
do. We are especially called to be the best mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers,
and friends we can be to one another, for family is a calling that is special
to God. It is through family life that God reveals the dynamic love of the Holy
Trinity and enables us to share in God’s divine essence.
Today we reflect on the call that we have received
from God and thank him for the love he has for each and every one of us. Yes,
we are unworthy and we know that, but so does God. And do you know what? He
doesn’t care! He loves us beyond our sinfulness, and he desires that we love him
in return. And so, as we look forward to another day, another precious gift
from God, let us keep these words from St. Paul to the Ephesians in our
thoughts:
“I, then, a
prisoner for the Lord, urge you to live in a manner worthy of the call you have
received.”
Eph: 4:1
Enjoy the day!
Deacon Tom
Image: Miraculous draught of fishes by Raphael
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