CHOSEN AND CALLED TO BE FISHER OF MEN

V SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME - Luke 5:1-11

In this time of ours, whoever doesn’t accept the politically correct is excluded and cancelled. DEI - diversity, equity and inclusion - are essential parts of political correctness that supersedes even religious belief. Thus, it has spread the idea that all religions are the same and all lead to God. Therefore, there is no need to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ or call people to conversion. If that is so, this Sunday’s readings are out of step with that way of thinking. Isaiah heard God’s call and answered: “Here I am, send me” (Is 6:8). He was ready to be at the service of the Lord, making God’s word known to the people.

In the Gospel, Jesus calls Simon, proposing the mission of being a fisher of men. In carrying out his mission, Simon will have to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ, calling people to repentance and conversion. They must turn away from the false gods that enslave them and keep them away from the true God. As we announce the Gospel, we denounce the idols that lead us to condemnation. Certainly, we cannot impose on others the message of salvation in Jesus Christ. We propose a way of Life that has Jesus as the role model for the ones who choose to live as children of God.

Can we have Isaiah’s attitude of service and obedience? Are we ready to be faithful to God’s call, or do we allow ourselves to be carried away by novelties that ignore the gospel? When questioned by Jesus about their loyalty and faithfulness, Peter answered in the name of the disciples: Where shall we go? Only you have words of eternal life. Indeed, only in Jesus can we find life and salvation.

In his first letter to the Corinthians, Paul tells us that he teaches what he was taught. He did not introduce novelties but remained faithful to what he had received, mainly about the resurrection and the eucharist. And he repeats: “... what matters is that I preach what they preach, and this is what you all believed” (1 Co 15:11).