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[__v03__] Homily – February 9, 2025 / 5th Sunday ●Isaiah 61:1-2a,3-8 ● Psalm 138 ● 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 ● + Luke 5:1-11 ●
[__01_] Regarding the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes (February 11) and this Sunday’s Gospel (Luke 5:1-11)
The Gospel episode on the
lake, with the fishing boats and Jesus leading the disciples to a great catch,
takes place after the darkness and discouragement of night, and LEADS up to the
dawn and direction of a new day.
There is a familiar saying:
“It is always darkest before the dawn.” This holds true for the disciples – I
in the dark with no fish -- and also scientifically and spiritually.
I recently experienced this
in a way that told me something —losing (and later finding) my phone. As I turned off the lights one
night, I realized the phone was missing. I searched multiple times, called my
own number, but heard nothing. Like Peter and the apostles fishing through the
night, I was in the dark, catching nothing. Eventually, I gave up and went to
sleep, unsettled.
The next morning, I shared my frustration with someone
who introduced me to the “Find My Device” app. Unlike calling my number, this
app made my phone ring even on silent. To my relief—and mild embarrassment—I
found it stacked under a pile of dishes. At that moment, it felt almost
miraculous.
The word “miracle” is related to seeing—as in “mirage” or “mirror.” In this small way, I experienced what seemed lost being found. Thankfully, I had not placed my phone in the refrigerator! (Yes, I checked there.)
The next morning, I shared my frustration with someone
who introduced me to an app I had never used before—Find My Device. Unlike my
repeated calls, this app forced my phone to ring, even on silent. To my relief
(and slight embarrassment), I found it buried under a stack of dishes in the
kitchen. While not a true miracle, the experience felt like one—a moment of
being found after feeling lost.
How often do we find ourselves searching fruitlessly—not
just for objects, but for meaning, connection, forgiveness, or direction?
Whether it’s admitting we’re wrong, forgiving someone who has hurt us, or
seeking reconciliation with God, these efforts can feel daunting, even
impossible. Yet, just as the disciples found success when they trusted Jesus,
we, too, are called to turn to Him in our struggles.
Darkness Brings Distress
That night, my fruitless search brought unease, much like
Peter’s empty nets. Have you ever felt that your efforts—to find a solution, to
communicate, to forgive—were not enough? Sometimes, when we struggle to forgive
others or seek forgiveness ourselves, we remain in the dark, not just for a
night but for an extended time.
Yet, while darkness brings discouragement, daylight brings direction.
A
Call to Faith and Trust
The Gospel reminds us to turn to God, especially when all
seems lost. Just as Peter followed Jesus' direction and cast his nets once
more, we too are called to trust.
In times of suffering, we often resist asking for help.
Peter initially doubted Jesus' instructions, and I hesitated to ask for assistance
in finding my phone. Yet, both situations reveal that guidance and clarity come
when we are open to receiving them.
The Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes
This Sunday, we celebrate the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, commemorating the apparitions of the Blessed Mother to Bernadette Soubirous in 1858. Bernadette’s life was marked by hardship and poverty, yet she received the vision of a “beautiful lady” who identified herself as “I am the Immaculate Conception.” Despite skepticism from priests, her parents, and authorities, Bernadette remained faithful to the message of prayer and penance.
Ironically, though Lourdes became a site of miraculous
healings, Bernadette herself did not materially benefit. Instead, she embraced
a life of humility, entering the Sisters of Charity and dedicating herself to
God in quiet service.
What
is a Miracle?
John Henry Newman observed that while miracles may
capture attention, they do not necessarily change hearts. People often seek
miracles in sports, health, or finances, yet the true miracle is often deeper—a
transformation of the heart.
Consider falling in love: on
a first date or wedding day, emotions may feel overwhelming, perspiring,
anxious. But if those feelings persisted in the same way 40 years into
marriage, one might call for 911 and paramedics / medical help! Love endures,
not because of constant heightened emotion, but through commitment, sacrifice,
and faith.
Seeing
Beyond the Miraculous
Jesus did not perform miracles simply for spectacle but
to reveal His presence. In the great catch of fish, He called Peter not just to
witness but to participate. Likewise, miracles in our lives invite us to deeper
trust, reflection, and action.
While I was grateful to find my phone, it has not made me
perfectly mindful of where I place it. Similarly, witnessing a miracle does not
automatically instill lifelong faith. Instead, we are called to reflect on what
God is showing us—to see beyond the extraordinary and recognize His constant
presence.
The greatest miracle is the forgiveness of our sins, the
grace that brings courage in fear and love in division. Recognizing his own
sinfulness, Peter fell before Jesus and said, “Depart from me, Lord.” Yet, Jesus
did not turn away. He called Peter to follow Him.
We, too, acknowledge our
unworthiness before Communion:
Lord, I am not worthy to
have You enter under my roof, but only say the word, and my soul shall be
healed.
May Mary, Mother of Mercy
and Seat of Wisdom, intercede for us:
Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us.
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