Thursday
of the Twenty-second Week in Ordinary Time
(I Corinthians 3:18-23; Luke 5:1-11)
Simon makes his livelihood fishing. Having his own boat, he probably is an
accomplished fisherman. That means he
knows the sea; he is sea-wise. But St.
Paul tells the Corinthians in the first reading that there is something better
than being “wise in this age.” He
exhorts them to become like fools needing instruction. So what happens when Simon abandons his own
wisdom to follow Jesus’ instruction? That’s right; he catches two boat-loads of
fish.
The catch is symbolic for Jesus. He tells Simon that he will be catching
humans, not fish, implying that there will be many. But to do so, once again Simon must become
foolish by giving up his boat and gear. If
he is to preach the Kingdom of God, he must dedicate himself one hundred
percent to learning from the master. How
can Simon help but to take up the challenge?
We too must give up the quest for worldly wisdom. That is, we must forsake the incessant pursuit
of fame and fortune. Jesus has chosen
each of us to learn from him so that we might teach others about him. We are not talking necessarily about
enlisting converts here. No, we are sent
to convert others to his ways by example, instruction, and tender care. Through our efforts may our associates become
more just, loving, and faithful people.
