Homily for the 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time

We've just heard one of the greatest vocation stories of biblical times: Jesus calls Simon Peter to become a fisher of God's people, sharing the Good News and gathering people to the Lord. 

One might ask: "Why him? He was flawed and would even deny knowing Jesus." But this is nothing new for God, who has repeatedly called on flawed individuals for significant responsibilities. Abraham became the father of a great nation at a very old age; Moses, who was described as "slow of speech and heavy-tongued, was called to take on Pharaoh; David, a young shepherd, was called to be king; and Saul, the prolific persecutor of Christians, was called to become an Apostle of Christ named Paul. 

God does as God wills.

Peter experienced the Lord's generosity in the incredible catch of fish in our Gospel. At that moment, he became aware of his own weakness and unworthiness. He felt undeserving of such generosity but found that the Lord loved him and had a great purpose for his life despite his imperfections. From that moment on, he would gather people to the Lord. 

Throughout history, God has chosen flawed person after flawed person to be instruments of His love, mercy, compassion, and justice. So, it would be wrong for us to conclude that we could never be called by God to be His instruments. Despite our failings and weaknesses, we are all called to be, in some way, instruments and ambassadors of God's presence, love, and action in our world.

The Lord's plan for us is not conditional on our worthiness. The Lord does not wait for us to be perfect before calling us to share in his life-giving work. Indeed, like Simon Peter, our calling demands our comprehension of our unworthiness, thus creating a way for the Lord to work through us. 

Genuine service to God requires humility and recognition of our need for God's grace in every facet of our lives and person. As Paul said, "If any one among you considers himself wise in this age, let him become a fool so as to become wise."