From Safari…..
Norman spent his life studying the habits of goldfish. After many years of study
and research, Norman was honored for his lifelong work. Shortly after receiving his award, he was invited to speak at a convention. After his presentation, he invited questions from the audience. The first question asked, “I’ve been wondering about something for some time, how can one tell the difference between a male and a female goldfish? With an air of confidence, Norman replied, “That’s easy, male goldfish will eat only male worms.”
The questioner, looking slightly puzzled, persists with a follow-up question, “But how can one tell the difference between male and female worms.” Again in confidence, Norman replies, “My friend, I haven’t the foggiest idea. I’m an expert on goldfish, not worms.”
In the gospel we find Jesus, the son of a carpenter, telling a professional fisherman where to drop a net. Simon the expert gives all the reasons why Jesus is wrong about dropping the net. And if as to humor Jesus he agrees to drop the net. And of course, we know the rest of the story. Luke, however, includes this dialogue in the gospel not to show Jesus’ fishing skill but rather whether Simon Peter will let go of his notions and accept Jesus’ way.
Simon Peter is not alone in this dilemma. Isaiah at first protests the call to be a prophet but eventually says Here I am, send me. Paul who wrote the letter to the Corinthians was at first a persecutor of the early Christians. But after being knocked down Paul agrees to be a disciple of Jesus and as he tells the Corinthians that hopefully through his preaching they will believe.
At times each of us is faced with a similar dilemma: my way or God’s way? The question is not whether God is right, rather will we be obedient?
How is God calling you today? Perhaps that call is to let go of an addiction to food, drink, drugs, or work. It might be a call to change an attitude or behavior such as to forgive rather than seek revenge, being less critical or prideful. To accept such a call is not easy. Risks are involved. Yet today’s gospel reminds us that when we are asked by God to do something, we are given the resources to be successful. Not only were there fish in the net, but it was near ripping.
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