22nd Week in Ord. Time, Thursday – 1st September 2022 — Gospel: Lk 5,1-11
Key Dispositions
Simon Peter, in his actions in those moments with Jesus – accepting his command, falling to his knees, acknowledging his sinfulness, and choosing to follow – demonstrated a great awakening in spiritual maturity. His receptivity, repentance, and reverence reflect three key dispositions that allowed him to grow in understanding of the spiritual realm. Peter’s feeling of unworthiness in receiving God’s bounty and in experiencing the power of God’s authority leads him to fall at the knees of Jesus. Peter’s humble perception of himself as a sinner before the Lord exhibits his intuitive understanding of the greatness of Jesus and humanity’s condition. At first Peter thinks that as a sinner he has nothing to do with Jesus. But Jesus shows that the realization that as a sinner is fundamental to discipleship and spiritual growth. Jesus takes the faith and the humble attitude of Peter and transforms them into a call to serve. Later, when Peter failed in his pledge to “never deny” the Lord, Risen Jesus would repeat the miracle of the great catch of fish (Jn 21,1-9) and gave Peter an opportunity to repent and recommit to follow him.
