Today we are on the 4th Sunday after Pentecost. We continue to wonder why, despite our closeness with God, it seems God never answers our supplications. There are moments when we feel the absence of God, but many saints experienced sufferings which for them, going through many trials and sufferings, they evidently noticed God’s presence. It is an irony, but true.
The epistle today from the letter of St. Paul to the Romans explains to us the reality of the early Christians’ situation marred by trials and sufferings. We know that they have given up almost everything to follow the Lord with the freedom of a new life, yet finding themselves in transition. St. Paul wrote, “The creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God” and “But also we ourselves, having the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our body.” (verses 21-23) In other words, there is a parallel experience going on between creation and the children of God. There is the ultimate plan of freedom alongside the distressful life experiences. It is so apparent when we encounter fellow Catholics who are open to share their difficult journeys.
We know for a fact that we are children of God, but still affected by the sins of the world. We are weak, frail, and easily decline our human body. However, our own potential is hidden behind the weakness of our human body waiting to be released.
There is already the grace of redemption in Jesus Christ; therefore we must again return to that redemptive relationship with God. Hope is needed to characterize our Christian lives. The promise of God has been given and shared by connecting our suffering with our glorification which is the fulfillment of His promise. St. Paul says, “If indeed we suffer with Him in order that we may also be glorified with Him” (Romans 8:17).
Consequently, St. Paul knows that as Children of God, we are living in two worlds, like St. Augustine agreeing that humans can be caught up either in the “City of Man” or in the “City of God.” Hence, our goal is to focus on living in life and light, than to find ourselves in the “City of Man” which is full of malice and deceptions. It seems that this is a warning that we are being confronted with persecution before and even up to the present. Hence, in order to persevere we must understand that our suffering could be redemptive suffering, that is we suffer because we unite ourselves with the sufferings of Christ. Our attitude of being firm and resolute will take us through. We should not be surprised that at times we go through some kind of purification, taking something that we feel we are comfortable with and subject us into a form of humility so that we appreciate the greater good. In the end, this suffering is not permanent but just fades away naturally. Great to know that everything will work out better for us in the end!
The gospel today is from Luke 5:1-11 which talks about following Jesus’ words, His invitation, and His ways. Jesus used every situation and circumstance to communicate His message of salvation. Then eventually, Jesus was able to help them catch huge numbers of fish and was apparently able to catch His disciples by saying these words to them, “FEAR NOT, FROM HENCEFORTH THOU SHALT CATCH MEN.” (Luke 5:11)
Jesus was understanding of the human weakness and struggles of His chosen Apostles. What happens when God pursues His agenda on us despite human frustrations and sufferings?
First, God’s knowing our own interiority and human frustrations, He never hesitates to manifest His divine power. For fishermen who caught nothing after all night fishing, God accomplished the numerous catch for a single moment or even a minute. So, Peter and other companions were surprised and marveled at the power of God because their nets were at the breaking point because of such an unprecedented catching of fish.
I visited the sea of Galilee, and I enjoyed the boat crossing to Capernaum on April 21, 2023. I am amazed by that body of water which in reality is a lake. Fishermen could hardly detect the behavior and the weather at times because of its unpredictable character. Many fishermen seem to live in hope for a good catch; however, with Jesus, the Apostles’ multitude catch was thru the authority and power of Jesus Christ. It is in the power of Jesus’ words that draws His Apostles to faith. Hearing the Word of God, we are drawn closer to Him, and faith comes by hearing Jesus’ invitation.
Second, God knows our own unworthiness and sinfulness. When Peter said to Jesus, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man,” he actually expresses that he certainly knew to whom he was talking; thus, with the spirit of humility, he accepts his unworthiness. By saying those words, Peter was growing in the awareness of His presence and with an absolute openness of his heart that he needs pardon.
Third, God’s calling that Jesus’ apostles need to serve to expand Jesus’ ministry. Jesus said to Simon, “Do not fear, from now on you will be catching men.” In Christian ministry, there are two images which speak our participation with Jesus’ evangelizing tasks according to Acts 11:19-26. First, fishing for men or catching men is simply a task of gathering people who are trusting the Lord alone for salvation. Second, shepherding means to lead others to become closer to the Lord by way of real witnessing and empowering others to commit to evangelization in order to catch others as well.
Sitting on a chair alone, I realize that human sufferings and trials one after another will pass with an open door awaiting us to go through that door of relief. Out of this dryness of life, God would certainly give us new opportunity perfectly tailored for us. The Lord always brings our frustration to an end; however if you have something in your life that has caused you a measure of frustration that you wish wasn’t there, please remember God’s power, His pardon, and your call to serve.
God bless you.
Fr. Arlon, osa
