Weakness Before God’s Power
01 September 2022, Thursday of the 22nd in the Ordinary Time
Lk 5: 1-11
Peter was an expert fisherman. Jesus was a carpenter. Each has his own trade. But why did Peter submit himself to Jesus?
The world looks up and praises those who are well experienced and are experts in their respective fields. Among us consecrated persons, we have this tendency of entitlement. Because we are good at this and with that, then, “whom we gonna call”, as if the whole life of the school and the mission of the congregation depends on him or her. But the Gospel reading of today puts experiences and expertise within the context of faith. Faith is not being conceited (sobrang believe sa sarili). Before God’s awesome and wonderful presence, we can only submit and surrender ourselves. But what would be the implication of when we submit and surrender our lives to God?
One time, I heard a confession of a priest. It was a grace-filled moment for me. To console and to comfort him, I told him that no one among us is worthy of this vocation. If God has called, chosen and consecrated us, none from our own merit but only because of His goodness and mercy. That is what we call grace.
Yes, for the world, to surrender and to submit ourselves to God is a manifestation of weakness. But when we bow before awe and wonder, the floodgates of God’s power are opened. We witness how God pours grace upon grace into our lives.
Maybe, even until now, we ask the Lord, “Among the best why me who is among the least?” It is not to underestimate ourselves. But before the Light, we cannot but come to know who we are. Last week, at the Church of Sts Peter and Paul in Bantayan Island, I took a photo where the lights and shadows are harmoniously blending. Yes, we all have lights and shadows. We might be in fear and trembling as we acknowledge our shadows before the Light who is Christ. But the words of Jesus to Peter do not judge, do not belittle and do not underestimate. Jesus said, “Do not be afraid.” Fear is useless; what is needed is trust. In fact, Jesus does not call the qualified but He qualifies those whom He has called.
We might be tempted to trust more on our geniuses and expertise. But authentic transformation happens not by great people with impressive credentials but by people who surrender, who trust and who obey the Lord. Amen.
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