Christ the Cornerstone

Say ‘yes’ to God, and your life will change forever

The Gospel for the Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Lk 5:1-11) is frequently used in homilies or talks about vocations.

Jesus tells Simon and his partners, James and John, to once again cast their nets after a long, futile night. The results are amazing, and the three fishermen are in awe of the miracle they have witnessed. Jesus tells the future Apostles, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.” Then, St. Luke adds, “When they brought their boats to the shore, they left everything and followed him” (Lk 5:10-11).

The unique vocation or calling that these three men receive results from their personal encounter with the power of God as it is manifested in the person of Jesus. Simon acknowledges that Jesus is someone special when he agrees to do what no experienced fisherman would even consider. “Master, we have worked hard all night and have caught nothing, but at your command I will lower the nets” (Lk 5:5).

By calling Jesus “Master,” Simon treats him with respect. By doing what Jesus asked him to do, he shows that he is open to trying something that he doesn’t understand. This is the kind of obedience (openness) that is essential to responding to God’s call. In fact, none of us, whether clergy, religious or lay people, knows what will happen when we say “yes” to our vocational calling. We place our trust in the Lord, confident that he will care for us in every circumstance we face.

After the miracle of the abundant catch of fish, Simon calls Jesus by a different name. As St. Luke tells us, when Simon saw this, he fell at the knees of Jesus and said, “Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man” (Lk 5:8). In recognition of his holiness, his closeness to God, Jesus is now addressed as “Lord” (Kyrios in Greek). In the encounter with holiness itself, Simon is keenly aware of his inadequacy and his first instinct is to distance himself from the Lord.

Jesus has another plan for Simon. As this plan unfolds, Jesus will give him a new identity as “Peter” (the rock), and as we know, he will give him primacy among the 12 Apostles and authority over the Church that he will establish.

In the second reading (1 Cor 15:1-11), St. Paul affirms the primacy of Peter among the Apostles:

I handed on to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures; that he was buried; that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures; that he appeared to Cephas [Peter], then to the Twelve. After that, he appeared to more than 500 brothers at once, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. After that he appeared to James, then to all the Apostles. Last of all, as to one born abnormally, he appeared to me. (1 Cor 15:3-8)

What were Simon Peter’s qualifications for his unique leadership role? We know from other Scripture sources that he was not without his personal faults, but clearly Jesus saw something in him that justified the name “rock.” Sacred Scripture suggests four characteristics or virtues that make St. Peter stand out. These are: humility, patience, purity of heart and obedience.

When Simon Peter says, “I am a sinful man,” he is not being falsely modest. He is simply telling the truth. When he agrees to cast his nets again after a long night with no luck, he shows that he can overcome his natural impatience and place his trust in God.

All four Gospels show Simon Peter to be a man who is pure of heart. Whatever faults he may possess, Peter is honest, kind and only interested in the good of others. He consistently shows that he wants to be obedient to his Lord, even when his weaknesses get in the way. And perhaps most importantly, when he fails to do what his vocation demands of him and betrays his Lord, he accepts the Lord’s forgiveness and works even harder to be the rock that Christ’s Church requires.

Simon Peter is a model for all of us who have been called to be missionary disciples of Jesus Christ. He knows that he is not perfect, but he trusts that God’s grace will make up for his shortcomings. With his partners, James and John, he is willing to give up comfort, security, and everything the world offers in order to follow Jesus.

“Put out into deep water and lower your nets for a catch” (Lk 5:4). This is the command that Jesus gave to Peter, James and John. When they said, “Yes,” their lives were changed forever. †