St. Peter's River Edge Farewell (2014-01-26)

[__01]   In the Gospel this Sunday, we read about the call of Andrew, Peter, James, John.

They are being called from one state of life to another state of life?

Will there be a deal? An acceptance?

Will they sign on the dotted line?

Will they allow their lives to be transformed, changed by our Lord and Savior?

And, will they see this change …as an interruption ? or as a continuous journey?

[__02]   Of course, the disciples are not being offered a lucrative signing bonus or guaranteed contract.

Their reward – our reward – will be great in heaven.

Yet, they are being asked to entrust their lives to God.

And, at every new stage, new transition, we are also asked to make this same act of trust.

And, we might also say that we are also offered some “publicity”. Our lives – as Christ’s followers – are not the private following of a rule..but the public profession of our faith and love – to God and to each other.

Jesus says to Peter, Andrew, James, and John – and to us – that we are light of the world.

In the Gospel of Matthew, we read, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket; it is set on a lampstand, where it gives light to all in the house. Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father”. (Matthew 5:14-15)

[__03]   Allowing your individual light – and my individual light – to shine, we are also called to use the natural gifts and talents we already have….

This is the message to the disciples from our Lord.  Peter, Andrew,  James, John already know how to fish…. The Lord is going to use these skills…

They know the land, the water, they know how to survive in rough weather. They know how to sail … they work as a team.

They have to maintain their boat, they have to fix leaks… recognize problems… fix small problems before they become big ones.

They will have to consider that even a few degrees of angle of course correction on the water … can make a big difference in their ultimate destination.

All of these skills will be necessary to them… as they move to their new calling as apostles…

[__04]   What is required of us as we move from one stage of life to another?

Do we not already have skills, knowledge, wisdom that will help us as we move from one stage to another…

Whether we are moving from the “book deal” to the “movie deal” … or from high school to college… or from a career to retirement…

In our prayer, and in our prayer at Sunday Mass, we are seeking this consistency, this guidance so that we can hear God’s voice without interruption…and that our lives at every stage may be continued … and that our light will shine more brightly.

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