Feb 10th

Post date: Feb 11, 2019 6:21:55 PM

Feb 10, 2019 Homily by Fr. Karl Schray

There is a story that tells about the time the devil decided

to close shop in one part of the world and open in another.

“A going out of business sale” was announced.

One customer noted that of all the devil’s tools, the highest priced one was

called ‘discouragement’. The customer asked why it was so expensive.

Quite simple, said the devil. It’s my favorite. With this tool

I can pry into almost everyone’s life and cause all kinds of damage.

Simon Peter must have been discouraged after fishing all night and

catching nothing. After Jesus preaches to the crowds, he asks Simon Peter

to put out into the deep waters and let down the nets.

At first Peter has doubts—but then says he will try again.

Peter and the others (probably Andrew, James & John) let down their nets

which are suddenly filled to the bursting point.

The other fishermen hurriedly row over to help.

Peter’s response: “Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!”

And Jesus tells him, “Do not be afraid, Simon.

From now on you will be catching people.”

Luke tells us that when they brought their boats to shore,

they left everything and followed him. This is not just a physical following—

the Greek word connotes a spiritual following, the total commitment of the disciple to the teacher.

We can only imagine Peter’s frame of mind when he asked Jesus

to leave him, but it is just as important to understand why we say to God, “Go away from me.”

One reason would be unworthiness, but we are all sinners. Another would be fear of the Lord which is natural. But fear must be coupled with an understanding of God’s love, for Jesus performs miracles not simply to show his power but to show his love.

A third reason is fear of change. What will happen if I follow Jesus? What will it mean to abandon my old ways?

Also, we fear not changing fast enough. We grow impatient with the

slow process of conversion. It took time for Simon to become Peter.

In fact, Jesus may have called Peter to lead the C hurch because Peter was very aware of his own weakness. Therefore, he would learn to rely on God’s strength not his own.

What was Peter thinking as he rowed back to shore? He had already

seen other miracles, --the healing of his mother-in-law for instance. Perhaps he was present at the Wedding Feast at Cana.

However, healing bodies and making wine were outside Peter’s experience. But fish were different—he knew all about fish.

This miracle hit home to him as the others had not.

Peter must have had doubts as well. He must have asked himself

if he could give up his livelihood, his family, everything he knew.

He must have vacillated between worry about the future and

amazement over the miraculous catch of fish.

All of us need to leave things behind in order to follow Christ.

For some of us, it is our ego, or a domineering attitude, or a quick temper,

for others an over emphasis on our own success. For a few,

it is compromising what we know is right to please others

or an addictive pattern of behavior. It helps sometimes

to look not just at what we are leaving behind and what God promises,

but also, at what God has shown us already. Just look at all those fish!

Christ asks each of us also to put out into the deep.

If my faith can overcome my fears,

then I will see that my net is full of God’s care for me.

My failings should not cause me to avoid Jesus,

but instead to cry out,

‘Stay with me, Lord, for I am a sinful person.’

“Do not be afraid—from now on you will be catching people.”