Thursday of Week 22 in Ordinary Time
Col 1:9-14
Lk 5:1-11
“Do not be afraid; from now on it is men you will catch.”
August 27 was church ministry recruitment Sunday at our parish – Church of St Francis Xavier. So with violin, guitar and cajon in hand, 8 choir members sang their hearts out. Unable to perform any miracles or sing like the mythical Greek syrens to lure parishioners, few were beguiled to join. In the end, there were some maybes who gave their contact details.
Ministry ‘recruitment’ seems more upbeat in today’s gospel. Jesus was preaching in Simon Peter’s boat along Lake Gennesarat (aka Sea of Galilee). When he finished, he asked Peter to take the boat out to sea and put his net into deep water. Though reluctant, he obeyed and caught an enormous haul of fish. This miracle astounded Peter and caused him fear, “Leave me Lord, for I am a sinful man.” Jesus replied, “Do not be afraid. From now on you will be fishers of men.” These very words made Peter, James and John (the sons of Zebedee) leave everything and follow Jesus. And just like that, a new ministry was born!
Luke’s gospel of the calling of Peter differs from Mark and Matthew’s version. It is the only one with this story of the miraculous catch of fish preceding the call to discipleship. Written for a Gentile audience, this episode highlights several themes to inspire the new converts. For me, the call to Trust and Act stands out.
To recall, Peter was initially skeptical of Jesus’s instruction. However he decided to TRUST in the Lord (“because you say so”) and ACTED (“I will lay down the nets”). Thereafter, his life was transformed forever.
Recently, I met a choir member in a different parish. I asked her why she joined them and was told a touching story. Her present choir sang at her wedding 12 years ago. Sadly, her husband passed away within 3 years of the marriage, due to an aggressive cancer, leaving her a young widow with an infant. A short while later, whilst attending mass alone, she heard a compelling voice telling her to join the choir. Despite being reserved and not knowing anyone there, she took courage and approached them after mass. She ACTED on this voice and was warmly welcomed. At that time, she was alone and coming to terms with the loss. Being in the new community certainly helped her make new friends and strengthen her faith. Today, she is a dedicated member and a proud Catholic. I was really inspired as this is my first personal encounter of how Jesus really does look after us in our hour of need. Trusting in his voice is the key.
Today’s first reading by St Paul has practical advice on how we can TRUST and ACT on God’s will. To live worthy lives, it is essential to pray constantly, seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit and grow in the knowledge of God. Catholic media resources are plentiful to help all of us improve our knowledge. Personally, I have benefited immensely from Jeff Cavin’s Bible Adventure Series and Joel Kramer’s youtube channel and book titled, “Where God Came Down — The Archaeological Evidence”.
Today, we are still trying to recruit new members for our SFX 7am choir. Next time when I hear “No”, I will boldly retort, “Do not be afraid. From now on you will be singers of psalms and hymns!”
(Today’s OXYGEN by Andrew Sia)
Prayer: Because you say so Lord, I will do it.
Thanksgiving: Praise the risen Jesus, who holds the keys to eternal life.
OXYGEN 
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