Put out into deep water...

The readings for Mass on Sunday are following the course of the beginning days of Jesus' earthly ministry in and around Galilee. In this weekend's Gospel Jesus encounters three discouraged fisherman who after a night of fishing have not much to show for their work (I am having flashbacks to the opening day of fishing season on Summit Lake every year with my Grandfather!) Jesus invites the fisherman to put out into deeper water and lower their nets again. Simon Peter, answering with no little skepticism, agrees to try again and is then shocked by the record catch they retrieve. Peter, in his characteristic clumsy humility, begs the Lord to leave him as he is unworthy to be his follower. Jesus invites Peter and his friends James and John to forget their fear and follow him.

Our first reading this weekend gives witness to another encounter of the Lord: the Prophet Isaiah having a mystical vision of the throne of God suddenly recognizes his unworthiness, only to have a seraphim (the ones with fiery eyes) bring an ember to his lips purging away his wickedness and enabling him for his ministry. Both of our readings challenge the fear of our own unworthiness to serve God, and invite us to step up to the challenge.

Pope John Paul II was very fond of two phrases in this Gospel passage: "Put out into deep water" and "Be not afraid." John Paul was constantly inviting the members of the church to put away their fears and hindrances and become a more vital part of the Church's work. We have so many excuses, or failings, or fears. There is so much work to do - just look at our own Cathedral Parish and School. It is a small number of dedicated volunteers and staff who make the work of these institutions possible, and yet, we could be doing so much more to change people's lives and further God's kingdom in our midst.

Catholics are the single largest denomination in the United States. Ironically, Inactive Catholics make up the second largest church group! We have the most members of Congress, sitting Justices on the Supreme Court, leaders in business and the like. How effective is our work? Are we advancing God's work where it is so desperately needed?

This weekend's readings invite all of us to do some soul-searching. The work of our own parish has so much potential. Are we doing our part? Or do we remain in fear of our own unworthiness, staying in the shallow end of the lake? There is a great need for help with our Religious Education program, and with greeting and welcoming people before Masses, especially at 6:00 PM Saturday and Sunday. We have many young Catholic children unable to afford the cost of a Catholic education who need sponsorship and support. There are many shut-in parishioners who need the Eucharist brought to them on Sundays.

The Lord's invitation could not be clearer this day: Put out into deep water, and don't be afraid.