But...

First Reading: 1 Corinthians 3:18-23
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 24
Gospel: Luke 5:1-11


Reluctance. Do you ever feel called to do something but are very reluctant to do it? I know that we all feel this way at times, perhaps God is calling us to give more, love more, or to leave something. Peter felt this reluctance today in the gospel. He has just worked a long and hard day of fishing, when along comes Jesus who asks him to drop his nets into the deep water. Peter responds with; “Master, we have worked hard all night and have caught nothing, but at your command I will lower the nets.” (Lk 5:5) There is an important conjunction thrown in here that makes Peter's response different than others response; it is the conjunction "but." Peter is obviously reluctant to do what Jesus says, I mean he makes a good point; he and his friends have been out all day and have caught nothing. This is a very logical thought. However, Peter shows us a different way. Even though it just didn't make sense to drop the nets for fishing, he does it anyway. Did Peter know who this was in the boat with him? Did he realize the power that was just a few feet away from him? Nobody can no for sure, but Peter realizes that there is something different here, and although he doesn't understand he follows the instructions regardless. Peter teaches us here an important lesson about trusting in God. For what seemed foolish in the eyes of Peter was actually the wiser choice.

St. Paul speaks of this foolishness and wisdom. Paul writes; "If anyone among you considers himself wise in this age, let him become a fool, so as to become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in the eyes of God..." (1 Cor 3:18-19). Paul speaks here about the dangers of trusting in our own wisdom. We must trust in the wisdom of God, for He alone is the source of all that is good and right. He will not ever lead us down the wrong path; it may not be the path that we had originally planned, but it will be the right one.

We are all asked to carry crosses that seem to heavy. And to the world, following God may seem foolish and illogical, it is during this that we must trust and keep our mind on the end prize; an eternity in heaven with our Lord. We are all going to be reluctant to follow at times, but let us remember the example of St. Peter and his trust in Jesus. Instead of just saying no or turning away, let us always use that important conjunction of "but."

Father above, you have blessed us each with another day. We thank you for your abundant blessings through good times and in tough times. Lord we pray for all those who go without and for those in great need. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.