Today's readings teach us that the call on a Christian is not easy. We hear of Isaiah, Saint Paul, and Jesus' own executive committee, all experiencing fear, indecision, and doubt, triggered by uncertain future . Yet they overcame those spiritual obstacles to become effective people. But no, it is not easy to be a real Christian. It is easy to tolerate the status quo; it is hard to proclaim uncomfortable truths. It is easy to be a spectator; it is hard to be a prophetic activist. It is easy to go along to get along; it's hard to take on the establishment.
In last Sunday's gospel, Jesus went to his hometown, refused to perform on cue, and called for the restoration of Jubilee -- radical social change. For his trouble, the people tried to kill him. Now in opening for Saint Peter's Fish Market, he isn't taking unnecessary chances. He enters the boat, has them anchor out far enough from shore that the audience can't reach him, but close enough to hear. After preaching, he challenges Peter to go out into deep water to fish. Peter replies that they have been fishing all night without catching a fish. Nevertheless, he complies; and there is a miraculous catch. Peter's mind is blown and he confesses to being unworthy to be in Jesus' company. He says that he is a "sinful man." In response, Jesus tells him that he will now begin catching humans.
Like Peter, we often focus on our shortcomings: not educated enough, not smart enough, perhaps even not good-looking enough. Nevertheless, God has a plan for every one of us and can guide us into a future of abundant life. The problem, I believe, is that we want Jesus in our boat, but we want him staying in the stern, not interfering with our journey but available in case of emergency. Instead, we need to let Jesus take the helm and guide us into dangerous, deep water where we will be truly challenged and enabled to be the Christian people we are called to be. If you subscribe to the old assertion that "God is my co-pilot," please trade places.
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