Fr. Martin ALI KEKE NDEMSOU, SX
FIFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Being called to follow Jesus, to be his disciples is not a merit but a grace. Today’s readings express this very well. In the second reading, Saint Paul clearly tells us: “By the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me has not been ineffective.” Then, as Christians, disciples of Jesus Christ by God’s grace, we must not be afraid to follow him in spite of our human weaknesses.
Moreover, let us look at Simon in today’s gospel. After they extraordinary catch of fish (two boats were filled) by obeying Jesus’ word, Simon acknowledged his unworthiness to be with him. In fact, he says: “Depart from me Lord, for I am a sinful man.” However, Jesus reassured him saying: “Do not be afraid; from now on it is men you will catch.” After being reassured by Jesus, Simon and his partners did not hesitate to follow the Lord when he one asked them to.
Similarly, the prophet Isaiah, in the first reading was afraid to be in the presence of God who is holy. That is why he exclaimed: “What a wretched state I am in! I am lost, for I am a man of unclean lips, and my eyes have looked at the king, the Lord of hosts.” Again, reassured by one of God’s seraphs who purified him by touching his lips, Isaiah decides to be God’s messenger: “Here I am, send me.”
Consequently, dear brothers and sisters, like Simon and his partners, Paul and the prophet Isaiah, we are not called to follow Jesus Christ because we are better than others. We are rather called to follow Jesus Christ by God’s grace and because we are sinners. Paraphrasing Matthew Kelly, who wrote a book by the title Rediscovering Catholicism (p.162), I would say that being sinners is what makes us eligible for membership of the Catholic Church. Jesus did not come for the healthy; he came for the sick, and established the Church to continue his work (cf. Mk 2:17).
In addition, we are imperfect, but capable of change and growth; we are imperfect, but perfectible. The Church, our mother holds us in our human weaknesses and fragilities; she comforts us in our limitations and endeavors to heal us. So during this Year of Mercy, let us recognise our human weaknesses. What are your weaknesses? Do you know them? Most people don’t want to think about their weaknesses. We don’t want talk about them, and certainly we don’t want anyone to point them out. This is a classic sign of mediocrity. Great men and women want to know their weaknesses (cf. Matthew Kelly, Rediscovering Catholicism, p.159-160).
May the example of these three people: Simon, Paul and Isaiah help us to be aware of our weaknesses and follow Jesus Christ without delaying! Again, let us always remember that we are Christians, disciples of Jesus Christ by God’s grace.
FIFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Being called to follow Jesus, to be his disciples is not a merit but a grace. Today’s readings express this very well. In the second reading, Saint Paul clearly tells us: “By the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me has not been ineffective.” Then, as Christians, disciples of Jesus Christ by God’s grace, we must not be afraid to follow him in spite of our human weaknesses.
Moreover, let us look at Simon in today’s gospel. After they extraordinary catch of fish (two boats were filled) by obeying Jesus’ word, Simon acknowledged his unworthiness to be with him. In fact, he says: “Depart from me Lord, for I am a sinful man.” However, Jesus reassured him saying: “Do not be afraid; from now on it is men you will catch.” After being reassured by Jesus, Simon and his partners did not hesitate to follow the Lord when he one asked them to.
Similarly, the prophet Isaiah, in the first reading was afraid to be in the presence of God who is holy. That is why he exclaimed: “What a wretched state I am in! I am lost, for I am a man of unclean lips, and my eyes have looked at the king, the Lord of hosts.” Again, reassured by one of God’s seraphs who purified him by touching his lips, Isaiah decides to be God’s messenger: “Here I am, send me.”
Consequently, dear brothers and sisters, like Simon and his partners, Paul and the prophet Isaiah, we are not called to follow Jesus Christ because we are better than others. We are rather called to follow Jesus Christ by God’s grace and because we are sinners. Paraphrasing Matthew Kelly, who wrote a book by the title Rediscovering Catholicism (p.162), I would say that being sinners is what makes us eligible for membership of the Catholic Church. Jesus did not come for the healthy; he came for the sick, and established the Church to continue his work (cf. Mk 2:17).
In addition, we are imperfect, but capable of change and growth; we are imperfect, but perfectible. The Church, our mother holds us in our human weaknesses and fragilities; she comforts us in our limitations and endeavors to heal us. So during this Year of Mercy, let us recognise our human weaknesses. What are your weaknesses? Do you know them? Most people don’t want to think about their weaknesses. We don’t want talk about them, and certainly we don’t want anyone to point them out. This is a classic sign of mediocrity. Great men and women want to know their weaknesses (cf. Matthew Kelly, Rediscovering Catholicism, p.159-160).
May the example of these three people: Simon, Paul and Isaiah help us to be aware of our weaknesses and follow Jesus Christ without delaying! Again, let us always remember that we are Christians, disciples of Jesus Christ by God’s grace.