God chooses you and me each day to be ambassadors
by Sister Mary Kabat
Today’s Gospel from Luke (5:1-11) is quite the crowded, noisy scene. Jesus is preaching on the lake shore, people are trying to press in closer to him, there are boats and fishermen and voices all around. Then there is only Jesus and Peter.
How would you describe Peter – gruff, impetuous, short-tempered, impatient, close-minded? Jesus sees the man and follower he needs and who he will become. Peter senses what Jesus is saying in the ask – “Put out into deep water and lower your nets for a catch.” It is about far more than fish. It is about trusting Jesus with all your life, and Peter is scared and self-aware and warns Jesus not to choose him. But Jesus does and makes another ask: “Do not be afraid.”
Each of us in our relationship with Jesus has challenging, growing moments. So, St. Paul alludes to in the second reading from his first letter to the people of Corinth (15:1-11) – “I am reminding you of the gospel I preached to you … Through it you are also being saved.” Being -- with Jesus we are in a living, growing, transforming relationship. Like Peter, we can tell Jesus not to choose us for the need at hand, we can tell him others are better, we can remind him of our sins and all the reasons we are not the best or better choice. But Jesus chooses you and me over and over again. Let’s pray for each other today that we not be afraid.
Reflect on this scene with Peter and also reflect on your relationship with Jesus. How has your mind and heart been changed and formed by Jesus’ choice of you to follow him?
Thanks, Mary. I appreciate your reflection about Jesus choosing Peter and choosing us over and overe again. What a blesssing! And, we are are reminded "Do not be afraid". Jesus is there for us!