Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

The Sea of Humanity

This Sunday’s Gospel about being “fishers of men” is usually used as a vocational call story. Jesus, by his words and actions, attracts men to follow him. He tells them to not be afraid, and he invites them to set out into the deep.

A piece of art that I came upon in my reflections this week was this one. Before you read on, reflect on the image. Let it speak to you. Who do you see? What are they doing? Where do they come from? Why are they desperate to be caught? Who is this fisherman? What motivates him? How do you feel? What do you feel? What “call to action” are you experiencing?

Pope Francis talks about “the sea of humanity” waiting to be caught.  It’s about both catching and being caught.

I think Jesus is asking us to open our eyes and see, to believe that when we pay attention, we will see and hear who Jesus invites to be in the boat with him. We will probably be surprised. Yes, Jesus attracted his followers, both men and women, by his words and actions. If we listen, if we trust, if we follow, our nets will be bursting. We will be stretched beyond who we are to who we can yet become. We are being called into the deep!

As we begin our synod process of becoming a listening Church, we begin our discernment of how the Spirit is working in our lives by sharing our experience of communion, participation, and mission in the Church. We will share our experience, listen intently to each other, and discover ways to walk together (or swim together, go fishing together). Stay tuned!