Today, on the fifth Sunday of ordinary time, the main theme of the readings and the Gospel is the invitation to get to know Jesus and to get to know ourselves better in order to be like him.

The work of man is wonderful, backed by the constant and invisible power of God.

The Gospel describes how the disciples work all night without being able to catch anything. And it is there that the Lord invites them to cast their nets. And the catch was so abundant that the boat sank. Simon Peter is the only one who reacts by throwing himself at Jesus' feet and recognizing himself as a sinner.

We too, like Peter, ask God to go away when we achieve success in some task. Peter did it out of humility, we do it out of sufficiency. We tell him: I no longer have time for you; I have plans that no longer fit you. From now on, I will manage alone and your presence complicates my life.

Then, Simon Peter gives him the title of “Master” and obeys him, going back to fishing, even though it seems absurd. Finally, Simon falls to his knees and recognizes him as a holy person, not a poor sinner like himself.

Thus, the protagonists of today's liturgy readings feel like sinners. The vocation of the disciples presupposes a greater knowledge of Jesus. Simon simply recognizes himself before a sacred person with whom he cannot be. Peter's mission will be positive, to become a "fisher of men."

If our community is happy, Christ invites us to accompany and share with others our faith, what we are and what we have and to fully live our vocation. If we manage to complete a career, the Lord sends us to serve those most in need. When our finances are going well, he suggests that we share with those who do not have, to carry out concrete initiatives in favor of the most helpless.

The world expects enthusiasm, joy, friendly coexistence, the strength of the hands and hearts that have been tired for many hours, but that can, through the word of Jesus, fill the boat with fish at the end of the night.

Have a nice Sunday

Fr. Alexander sx