Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time_C -Depart From Me, Lord_021019

Deacon Tom Writes,

“Depart From Me, Lord”

Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C

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 Isaiah in our first reading we are very reluctant to put our shoulder to the task, claiming the obvious that we are not worthy. And like Peter, we too often brush Jesus off or tell him to “hit the road”. To some extent, these are natural responses. We all know that we are sinners and can claim for ourselves Peter’s confession before the Lord, “I am a sinful man”. But, God is patient, a characteristic essential for anglers, who casts out his line and waits for something to happen.

That waiting on God’s part is our invitation to divine 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, janitor, soldier 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 moment 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