Jesus showed Sts. Peter, James and John His transfigured glory, radiant beyond all measure (Mt 17:1ff). He showed these same apostles His power over death in raising the daughter of Jairus (Mk 5:37ff). Finally, He showed them His agony in the garden of Gethsemane at His approaching death (Mt 26:37ff).
Whether Jesus shows us glory or suffering, He calls us to put out into the deep (Lk 5:4), to be not afraid (Lk 5:10), and to follow Him wherever He leads (Lk 9:23). It's up to the Lord whether He lets us see majesty or suffering. It is up to us to receive His grace and say "Yes" to Jesus.
There is glory and grandeur in our life of faith. There are also many tiny mustard seeds, small beginnings (Zec 4:10), crosses, rejections, persecutions and failures. Whether we are permitted to see things great or small, successes or failures, so much more are we called to rejoice and give our all to belong to the Body of Christ. We are richly blessed to serve Jesus in whichever way He calls us. Who are we that the Lord Jesus, King of the Universe, would call us to such a noble task as to be fishers of men and women? (Lk 5:10) Answer His call. Catch people for Jesus.
| PRAYER: | Father, I will be attentive to whatever You let me see. Grant me the grace to follow Jesus wholeheartedly. |
| PROMISE: | "Do not be afraid. From now on you will be catching men." –Lk 5:10 |
| PRAISE: | Praise Jesus, "the Resurrection and the Life" (Jn 11:25). In Him, we will be raised from the dead and live eternally. Alleluia forever! |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College