Reflection
St Peter’s words and actions in our Gospel today offer us important insights into both human frailty and God’s infinite wisdom and love.
Peter, after some initial resistance, has followed Jesus’ guidance and advice. He sets out into the deep. Yet his process of arriving at this response to the Word of God offers us valuable insight. Learning to respond to the call of Jesus in life is not necessarily something that arises instantly or even instinctively. We often hesitate, even resist, before surrendering our minds, hearts and wills to the call of Jesus. That means that our hesitancy or even inner resistance is not necessarily disobedience; it tells us that we respond to the call of Jesus in very human ways.
The important reality is that Peter does answer the call and obeys Jesus’ instructions. The results are simply astonishing.
When we follow the divine plan, we will be part of the building up of the Reign of God in our world.
God’s plan more precisely means a deep and eternal desire to see us in communion, working together and discovering our holiness and wholeness.
Yet here Peter reveals another deeper and more dangerous tendency. Confronted by, or perhaps embarrassed by, his own lesser ability to contribute to the Kingdom, he focuses not on his real inner capacity and his inherent goodness, but chooses rather to see only his limits, failures and perhaps the hidden flaws within. He sees himself as a sinner, unworthy of the company and trust of Jesus. ‘Leave me, Lord, I am a sinful man.’
We all know our faults only too well, and at times, we fear that the discovery of the hidden frailty we carry will impede us throughout life
Nevertheless, where Peter sees limitations, Jesus sees only his potential and capacity.
We, too, long for such kindness, enduring love and affirmation. Yet, it awaits us at every turn as we follow the ‘way’ of Jesus.
Jesus does not see Peter as Peter tends to see himself. Instead, Peter is recommissioned and given his mission — to gather people into the Kingdom of God. He responds and becomes a disciple – leaving everything and following.
Let us live in this same light.
