Living
5th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Isaiah 6:1-2,3-8
Psalm 137(138):1-5,7-8
1 Corinthians 15:1-11
Luke 5:1-11
“Here I am: send me”-Isaiah 6:8
“They left everything and followed Him.”- Luke 5:11
THE DIVINE CALLING AND OUR DAILY RESPONSE
In today’s gospel In the recent exegesis of the gospel passage from Saint Luke, we analyze the narrative of the disciples’ call. This event unfolds abruptly, as Jesus commandeers a fishing vessel for auditory clarity with the crowd gathered onshore. Noteworthy is Luke’s nuanced portrayal of this boat as belonging to Simon; however, this selection is intentional and significant for subsequent theological implications.
OUR LORD’S CHOICE
By selecting Simon’s boat, Jesus effectively elects Simon, along with his associates James and John. Prior familiarity exists between these figures and Jesus, with Simon having previously witnessed miraculous healings. The gravity of Jesus’ presence compels the fishermen to acquiesce to His request for the boat’s use and to cast their nets. This obedience yields an extraordinary haul of fish—an indication of divine favor and validation of their response.
SIMON’S RESPONSE
At this juncture, Simon’s acknowledgment of Jesus’s authority crystallizes. After witnessing both the miraculous healing of his mother-in-law and an overwhelming catch following a futile fishing attempt, Simon’s proclamation, “Leave me, Lord, I am a sinful man,” signals a profound recognition of his limitations in contrast to Jesus’s divinity. In a non-formalized manner, Jesus intriguingly declares, “From now on you will be fishers of men,” prompting Simon and his partners to abandon their livelihoods to pursue a new mission.
The recruitment of the first disciples presents as remarkably understated; it lacks elaborate ritual or doctrinal formalization. Instead, it depicts a direct and personal encounter betwamidhuman within the framework of ordinary vocational life. The selection was neither random nor capricious; Jesus had assessed and entrusted His calling to these individuals, establishing a moment of pivotal opportunity that they readily embraced.
THE OPPORTUNITY GRANTED
Reflect on instances when a significant opportunity was presented—whether a novel challenge or a chance for growth. Many among us, especially during liturgical gatherings, may recollect such pivotal moments that ultimately evaded our grasp, resulting in a resumption of the status quo. This causality can morph into a source of reflection or regret, particularly regarding our inclination to seize transformative opportunities.
The concept of vocation—understood as a divine calling—echoes through the sacramental life of the baptized. This extends to those exploring the Catholic faith, reflecting a broader thread of inquiry and aspiration. Each liturgical occasion serves not merely as a ritual but as an ongoing invitation to engage with Divine will—be it through the Sacraments or communal worship. Just as Simon, James, and John received their commission while attending to work, we too confront authentic choices in our spiritual journeys.
The readings accentuate that vocational calls can be extraordinarily dramatic. Isaiah’s vision of the divine, where the Temple coalesces with celestial glory, exemplifies such intensity. When God inquires, “Whom shall I send?” Isaiah’s response is one of immediate acceptance. Similarly, Saint Paul’s transformation—initially spurred by a traumatic blind encounter—epitomizes a profound, visceral response to divine invitation.
BASIC REQUIREMENT:
FAITHFULNESS
Our collective presence here signifies a commitment to immerse deeply into the life of Christ and the ecclesial community. This engagement demands fidelity to Church teachings, echoed in Paul’s exhortation in 1 Corinthians: “The gospel will save you only if you keep believing exactly what I preached to you.” Our vocations—be it in service to the marginalized, evangelization, teaching, or specific ecclesiastical roles—often unfold over time through discreet discernment or abrupt divine encounters.
OPENNESS AND AVAILABILITY
The essence of living our core Catholic vocation hinges on an alert openness to divine promptings. We’re collectively called to uphold the essence of our faith through sacraments, active prayer life, and outreach. While this encompasses our overarching vocation, individuals may receive distinct calls at any juncture. True fulfillment in life likely resides at the intersection of recognizing and responding to God’s invitations, whether amid daily life or in extraordinary revelations.
May we receive the grace to know our calling from God and to follow it with faith, hope, and love. Amen
Fr Joseph Osho
