6 February 2022
Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time
We usually want to be prepared for what we are asked to do. We want proper training for our jobs. We want proper education if we are going to give our opinion on an important matter. We rightfully want to have sufficient sleep and food to have the energy we need to do what we are called to do. And most of the time, that is exactly how the Lord made us, and we should make sure we have all those things. But there are also certain key moments, that arise when we least expect, that take precedence over our normal preparations.
St. Peter was very tired. He and the other fisherman had just pulled a midnight shift with nothing to show for it. They were almost done with the task of cleaning their nets so that they could go home, get some food and some sleep. That is precisely when Jesus shows up. And Our Lord doesn’t come alone. He comes with so many people that He asks Peter to give him a boat ride so He can address the crowds. Normally, the right answer might be, “Nope, I am almost done, and I am going home.” However, there was something Peter realized was different about this moment, this man and his request. That realization allowed Jesus Christ to change Peter’s life.
This week, let us ask the Lord to show us those outstanding moments from our life when He made a simple request of us when we were not ready. Let us savor the ways those divine invitations to the sacraments, to works of mercy, to acts of love in our home have helped us and helped others grow closer to God.