Is your faith strong enough to trust, even in moments of hopelessness, in the love and help of God? - Daily Reflections September 4,2014

THE GREAT REWARD FOR TRUST IN CHRIST

 

Peter was an expert fisherman and so we are not surprised when he disputed the possibility that any fish would be caught during the day. Peter and his companions had fished all night and caught nothing. To lower the nets again would be a waste of time. Jesus might be a great preacher and miracle worker but what did He understand about fishing?

       And yet, Peter did what Jesus had told him to do. And their trust was rewarded by a huge catch of fish. Christ makes it clear that we must put our full trust in Him, even when it seems foolish, a waste of time, or even if we think we know better. And yet that we must do.

       There is another message in the story. Though we try to accomplish certain things and fail, we must never give up trying. Peter, after working all night, was ready to give up. But he did not, thanks to Christ’s insistence.

       Then Peter confesses his sinfulness. Christ sees into Peter’s heart and He knows each and every sin he has committed. He knows that by Peter’s confession, he has repented and already resolved to follow a different path.

       St. Bede said, “The Lord soothes the fears of the unspiritual man so that no man need be fearful in his conscience because of his own past guilt; or, confounded at the sight of the innocence of others, be discouraged in setting out himself on the road to sanctity.”

       Christ loves us and, regardless of our past sins and offenses, wants us to turn to Him. He is unconcerned about sins confessed and repented of.

       Jesus rewards the trust of these fishermen by making them His Apostles: “From now on you shall catch men.” Peter, James and John, totally unprepared, become Apostles, leaders of the Church, and will spend the rest of their lives preaching the Good News. They did not receive any material rewards in this life. Hardship, hatred, violence and death by martyrdom was the price they paid for their trust in Christ. Yet, they were rewarded with eternal life, venerated as saints by the faithful. Fr. Rudy Horst, SVD

 

REFLECTION QUESTION: Is your faith strong enough to trust, even in moments of hopelessness, in the love and help of God?

 

Lord, I believe, but strengthen my faith and trust in You so that even in seemingly hopeless situations I will still trust that You will carry me through.