V SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
FROM NOW ON YOU WILL BE CATCHING MEN
By our Pastor, Fr. Carmelo Jiménez
In a few days we will start Lent and it will be a special time because we are living the year of mercy. The readings of this fifth Sunday of Ordinary Time remind us of our sinfulness, especially when we are faced with the reality of holiness, glory and greatness of God.
The prophet Isaiah exclaims: “Woe is me, I am doomed! For I am a man of unclean lips, living among a people of unclean lips; yet my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts!” (Is 6 : 5). St. Paul says, “Last of all, as to one born abnormally, he appeared to me. For I am the least of the apostles, not fit to be called an apostle”(1 Cor. 15: 8-9). And Peter before Jesus: “Then Peter fell at the knees of Jesus and said, “Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man.” (Lk 5: 8). Many more people reacted like them throughout history when they recognized God’s greatness and the lowliness of man, especially because of sin.
When we reflect on God’s holiness, greatness and power, every human being becomes frightened or uncomfortable because we recognize our lowliness. Peter, Paul, Isaiah, Moses, and all the saints found greatness in God (many of them in Jesus) and it caused in them wonder and bewilderment. According to the stories that we find in Scripture, the first reaction of man before the presence of the divine is fright. That is what happens when God is present in the history of mankind. God always listens to those who keep his holy will, God listens to the saints. The first reaction is to keep our distance; it is not possible to stay as close to a person who is so superior. So Jesus tells Peter: “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men” When they brought their boats to the shore, they left everything and followed him” (Lk 5: 11).
In these three scripture passages that we hear, we see once again God’s initiative in the vocation calling. It is God who approaches Isaiah and it is Jesus who came to meet Peter and his companions, as well as Paul. With the openness and recognition of Peter and his companions, Jesus expresses the purpose of the event: you will be catching men. Following Jesus requires us to abandon everything. Only in this way it is possible to be itinerant in the evangelizing life. To travel like Jesus, we need to carry minimal luggage and not just referring to material things but also our other attachments and follow the Master in complete freedom. In a society where owning and productivity prevail over being human and human fulfillment, these words remain a paradox and cause confusion.
All the miracles of Jesus have a very specific purpose and have meaning in higher realities. Peter trusts the word of Jesus. There isn’t adequate and reasonable fishing during the day, and even less if the job has failed all night during the opportune time. But he obeys the word of Jesus. Jesus is already important to him. And his trust in Him results in an overwhelming reality, the realization of a catch like never before. Beyond the miraculous event, there is a person who acts with power and opens new ways for a new life. Beyond human reason, God acted and continues to act among men. God calls us to love and mercy. Let us marvel at God and contemplate with astonishment his loving presence, which returns our dignity and grace. Amen.