Homily: Twenty-second Thursday of Ordinary Time (Luke 5:1-11)
Twenty-second Thursday of Ordinary Time (Luke 5:1-11) “A Great Fish Story”
We can imagine what was running through Peter’s mind when Jesus asked him to drop his nets in the water to catch fish in the middle of the day. Peter was the fisherman; Jesus was a carpenter. Who was the expert on fishing?
I can think similar thoughts when someone is trying to tell me about how to say Mass or how to be a pastor. I want to say, at times, you know I have two graduate degrees in Theology, and have been a priest almost 40 years. Do you think I might know a little more than you know?
Perhaps the person I am speaking to has some insight about the parish that I do not know. Maybe they have some constructive things to suggest. Maybe Jesus had a little different information as well.
Some have speculated that Jesus had looked down in the water and he saw that the fish were active for some reason. Peter might not have noticed. We do know that when the nets were dropped in the water many fish were caught.
Peter was too proud to see that Jesus was not as much of an amateur at fishing as he thought. When he realized what had happened, he admitted his mistake. He said he had been sinful.
I admire people who are willing to acknowledge their errors. It takes real humility to be able to do that. When a person says they are wrong they give themselves permission to move in a new direction. This is what great leaders do. Perhaps that is why Jesus chose Peter to be the leader of his church.
Reflection Questions:
- Have I ever admitted that I made a bad mistake to others? How did it feel?
- Did I listen to others when they pointed out what I had done? How did I feel toward the person who corrected me?
Dear Parishioners,
Remember that this weekend we are having an outdoor Mass at 9 a.m. on Sunday weather permitting. If we have rain we will be in the church. Invite your friends. Also remember to bring your own chair. Masks will not be required outdoors, so you can sing out if that is your passion.
On the 12th of September, when Religious Education classes begin, we will be shifting the 9 a.m. Mass to 9:15 a.m. Hopefully, this will allow people extra time to get their children ready for Mass. Please pass this information on to those that you know.
May Our Lady and all the Angels and Saints watch over you today.
Fr. Mark