NOT PETER, BUT JESUS
A
unique detail in our Gospel story is this: Jesus seated Himself in one
of the boats — the one belonging to Peter, the evangelist stresses — and
from there He taught. The boat of Peter signifies the Church.
Theologians say that it is in the Church, under the visible headship of
the Popes as successors of Peter, that Jesus’ saving words and actions
continue to reach out to many through the anointing of the Holy Spirit.
Going
through the rest of Luke’s Gospel story, we note that when Peter
allowed Jesus into his boat and gave Him permission to direct him on
where to lower the nets for a catch, Peter had the most tremendous catch
of fish he ever had in his entire fishing life! So great was the catch
that the nets began to rip. And the greater message for us as a Church,
as church leaders and as churchmen, is that the success and fruitfulness
of our apostolates and mission are founded on our humility, faith and
obedience. Success comes not because of our competence in theology, in
preaching, in pastoring, and in devising formation programs. Success is
found in Jesus’ presence and grace.
Two
great Popes, now both declared as “Blessed,” had a great impact on the
history and progress of our modern Church. First was Blessed John XXIII
(Angelo Roncalli) who, though elected as Pope in his elderly age, went
on to convene the Second Vatican Council. Second was Blessed John Paul
II (the Polish Karol Wojtyla) who served long and who charmed the youth
of the world during his life and in his death. Even after his death,
long lines of pilgrims, notably with a good number of young people,
would come and pray at his tomb. Both Popes had pronounced humility that
showed itself in their many candid and unassuming ways, and was founded
on their deep sense of dependence on God. Blessed John XXIII kept a
crucifix in his bedroom, and
before this he prayed to Jesus every night about his various concerns for the Church.
Blessed John Paul II had the crucifix of Jesus atop his crosier, and he
would be in deep prayer with it even in the midst of a large crowd. Fr. Domie Guzman, SSP
REFLECTION
QUESTIONS: Do you belong to a church organization or community, like
the Charismatic Renewal movement? What blessings have you experienced by
joining this group? What activities of the Church make you feel the
presence of Jesus most? Why?
Lord Jesus, teach me to be more humble as I grow closer to You.
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