Breaking the Word

22^nd Week in Ord. Time, Friday – 02^nd September 2022 — Gospel: Lk 5,33-39

Do not be Perturbed

The scribes and Pharisees were attentive to Jesus, the new authority figure. They scrutinized everything of not only, what He said and did, but even to the extent of the behaviours of His followers.  These not-so-casual observers sought out their own data and arrived at their conclusions.  Sadly, from their logical conclusions, they were led to implicit accusation, i.e., to judge others. Thus, the scribes and Pharisees judged Jesus’ followers to be less holy than other disciples with whom they were acquainted with. In commenting about the behavior of His followers, Jesus remarks that they are different because He is different from John the Baptist or the Pharisees. St.Paul, in the first reading, reminds us “not to make any judgment before the appointed time, until the Lord comes, for he will bring to light what is hidden in darkness” (1 Cor 4,5).  He does not worry what others say concerning him, “It does not concern me in the least that I be judged by you or any human tribunal.” He knows what counts is what the Lord Jesus is doing in his life. Paul is confident that he and others who turn to the Lord Jesus will experience the fullness of the promises of God. When others judge us for following Jesus Christ, let us not be perturbed, for “God is our judge”.

22^nd Week in Ord. Time, Thursday – 1^st 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.