By Fr. Thomas Liju OFM Cap.
Readings Is 6: 1-8 ; 1Cor 15: 1-11; Lk 5:1-11
In today’s readings we see three men who did great things for God – Isaiah, Paul and Peter. None of them felt competent for the work entrusted to them. They felt totally unworthy of the great call. When called by God Isaiah lamented: what a wretched state I am in, I am lost, for I am a man of unclean lips. Paul said: I am the least of the apostles; in fact, since I persecuted the church of God, I hardly deserve the name apostle. And Peter, after the miraculous catch of fish declared; leave me, Lord, I am a sinful man. Each of them began by acknowledging his unworthiness, inadequacy and sinfulness, but ended up accepting God’s invitation. And later on, relying not on their resources, but on God’s help, they did a splendid job.
What an ideal to start the Lord’s work! Normally, people who start out hoping to do great things for God through their own gifts and strengths often end up doing more harm than good. They seek their own glory, rely on their own resources, and look for success at any cost. Their spiritual edifice, built on human pride, self -sufficiency and self- righteousness, crumbles like sand castles. But look at the life of Paul to see a great paradox, Paul said “when I am weak, that is when I am strong.” (2 Cor 12:10) when Paul recognized his own weakness, he realized the need to turn to Christ, who assured him: My grace is sufficient for you.”
God’s purpose and plan for each one of us is unique and mysterious. When God entrusts us with a mission, we experience a sense of personal inadequacy. It can’t be helped. But it should not cripple us, for no one is quite adequate for the mission God has for him. When God calls, it is wise that we respond and surrender, He will do the rest. In today’s Gospel we see at Jesus’ request Peter was glad to Offer his boat for Jesus to preach to the people sitting on the shore. Jesus uses the boat as a makeshift pulpit. Emphasizing His resourcefulness and the practical context of His ministry. The boat may symbolize the church which would carry the Gospel to the world. The sermon over, something extraordinary happened. Jesus asked Peter to move the boat deeper into the lake and to cast his net for a catch. Peter had been a fisherman all his life, while Jesus knew nothing about the trade. Peter and his people had spent the whole night. The right time to fish, casting nets at various places but had caught nothing. From the fishing trade point of view, casting the nets in full day light was useless yet, Peter obeyed Jesus’s command, and against all expectations, so much fish filled the net that it may begin to tear. He had to call for help from his people at the shore and they filled two boats with the fish he had caught. But here comes the surprise: one would expect Peter to rejoice at the unexpected catch on account of the gain that would come from it. But quite another was the feeling that overtook Peter at that moment: the feeling of unworthiness of being even a friend of Jesus: leave me lord I am a sinful man.
Jesus hastened to encourage Peter. Do not be afraid; from now on it is men you will catch. Transforming his fear into a sense of purpose. This is a common refrain when individuals are called into God’s service. This fisherman leaves everything, boats, nets and livelihood to follow Jesus, signifying the total surrender required of discipleship.
Points for reflection
1. Be willing to trust God’s word: even things that seem hopeless or contrary to logic trust God’s guidance and step out in faith. Trusting His word often leads to unexpected blessings
2. God’s power is revealed in our weakness: Despite their exhaustion the disciples caught an overwhelming number of fish when they obeyed Jesus. God works powerfully through our weakness, reminding us that success comes not from our efforts alone but from his provision
3. Humility opens the door to transformation: when Simon saw the miracles, he recognized his unworthiness and confessed his sinfulness to Jesus. Acknowledging our limitations and sin allows us to grow spiritually and align ourselves with God’s will. Humility positions us to be transformed. God often chooses ordinary individuals for extraordinary tasks. Your background or limitations don’t disqualify you from being used by God.