Homili RP Thomas Suratno SCJ || Minggu, 09 Februari 2025 || Paroki Ratu Damai, Teluk Betung.

Summary

The script reflects on the calling of Isaiah and the disciples, emphasizing the theme of being chosen by God despite being sinners. Isaiah acknowledges his sinfulness before receiving divine cleansing, enabling him to answer God's call to be sent as a prophet. Similarly, the disciples, after a failed fishing attempt, trust in Jesus' command, experiencing a miraculous catch. This prompts Simon Peter to recognize his own unworthiness. Jesus reassures him, saying he will now fish for people. The message focuses on God's grace, the power of faith, and the call to live out one's mission through both words and actions.

Takeaways

• 😀 Isaiah's humility and acknowledgment of his sinfulness demonstrate the importance of recognizing our imperfections before God calls us.
• 😀 God's grace enables Isaiah to be cleansed and ready to be sent on a mission, highlighting that our ability to fulfill God’s calling is rooted in His grace, not our own strength.
• 😀 God's call is not based on personal merit or qualifications, but on His will and the transformative power of His grace.
• 😀 The story of Simon Peter emphasizes the need to trust in Jesus' word, even when it contradicts our expertise or experience.
• 😀 Faith is not just about belief but must be lived out through actions, demonstrating our trust and obedience to God.
• 😀 The disciples’ willingness to act on Jesus’ command, despite their doubts, results in an overwhelming catch of fish, showing the power of obedience to God's instructions.
• 😀 Simon Peter’s acknowledgment of his sinfulness when confronted with God's power demonstrates true humility and repentance.
• 😀 Jesus’ invitation to Simon Peter and his companions to follow Him and become 'fishers of men' shows that discipleship involves a shift from self-reliance to total dependence on God.
• 😀 Baptism cleanses us of sin and empowers us to carry out God’s mission, though the challenge remains in whether we are willing to respond to that calling.
• 😀 The Christian calling is universal, not limited to the learned or the eloquent—everyone who is baptized is called to share God’s message and live according to His will.
• 😀 True evangelism is not just about preaching with words, but living a life that reflects God’s love, grace, and truth in our actions and interactions with others.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the sermon?

The main theme of the sermon is about answering God's call despite human imperfections and weaknesses. It emphasizes that faith is not just about belief but about living out that faith through actions and obedience to God's word.

How does the story of Isaiah in the first reading relate to the sermon?

The story of Isaiah highlights his initial recognition of his sinfulness and his unworthiness to serve God. However, after being cleansed by God, he willingly accepts the call to be God's messenger. This mirrors the sermon’s message that, despite our flaws, God calls us to serve.

What is significant about Simon Peter's reaction to the miraculous catch of fish?

Simon Peter’s reaction, where he falls at Jesus' feet and calls himself a sinner, shows his awareness of his unworthiness. However, Jesus reassures him and calls him to be a fisher of men, signifying that God's grace empowers us to fulfill His mission.

Why does Simon Peter initially doubt Jesus’ command to cast the nets again?

Simon Peter initially doubts because he and his companions, despite being skilled fishermen, had worked all night without catching any fish. His doubt is based on their experience, which seemed to contradict Jesus' command.

What lesson can we learn from Simon Peter’s obedience to Jesus despite his doubt?

The lesson is that faith involves trusting in God's word even when our own understanding or experience suggests otherwise. When we follow God's instructions, even without full understanding, we open ourselves to His grace and miraculous outcomes.

What does Jesus mean when He tells Simon Peter that he will now 'catch men'?

Jesus is calling Simon Peter and his companions to become disciples who will spread the message of salvation to others, converting people to the faith. The phrase signifies their new mission of evangelism and spiritual leadership.

What does the sermon say about the relationship between faith and action?

The sermon stresses that faith is not only about verbal affirmation but must be lived out through action. True faith is demonstrated in our deeds, which should reflect the love and teachings of Christ, particularly in how we treat others.

How does the sermon address the idea that only certain people are called to evangelize?

The sermon rejects the idea that only a select few are called to evangelize. It highlights that everyone who has been baptized and follows Christ is called to share the Gospel through both their words and actions, regardless of their personal abilities or status.

How does the sermon relate to the teachings of St. Paul in *Evangelii Nuntiandi*?

The sermon aligns with St. Paul’s teachings in *Evangelii Nuntiandi*, which emphasize that evangelization is not about being highly educated or eloquent but about living a life that authentically reflects the Gospel. It suggests that our witness to the faith through our actions is just as important as verbal evangelism.

What does the sermon suggest about how Christians should live their faith in daily life?

Christians are called to live their faith not just in church, but in all areas of life, especially within their families and workplaces. The sermon encourages believers to be a positive example, demonstrating the joy and love they have received from God through good works and kindness to others.