+ We have wonderful readings today! The first reading speaks of the one who is truly wise: the one who desires to be wise in the eyes of God rather than in the eyes of the world. Worldly wisdom usually has little to do with real wisdom – but rather craftiness and political correctness and nowadays a watered down version of truth so that it can apply to the greatest number of people, regardless of its true nature and essence. The reading reminds us that no one of us ought to boast about really wise thoughts that might be in our minds: they are gifts from God, and all we can do is thank God that we have the sense to accept the gift and have a willingness to use it!
The gospel passage demonstrates how Peter sizes himself and his wisdom up (even of his fishing business of which he considered himself somewhat of a professional) next to Jesus with his wondrous overriding miraculous powers – of knowledge of catching fish. Peter defers to Christ and realizes that anything Jesus would tell him to do would be OK by him, and that in comparison, he himself was nothing but a sinful man who didn't even belong in his company. But Jesus' response was to reassure Peter that his humble response was indeed the correct one – and that he was interested, very interested in using Peter's professional skills in "catching men" from now on! Peter thought that was a great idea, dropped everything, even the nets in his hands, and he followed Jesus!
May we this day bravely size ourselves up next to Jesus, realize our humble relationship with him, but welcome any ideas that he has in using our talents and professional skills for the good of others; and then cooperate with all our hearts in doing so. This is being truly wise, with a wisdom that will lead us into everlasting life one day – when all has been said and the work has been done!
Come after me, says the Lord; and I will make you fishers of men.
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