Read: 1 Peter 4:7-11, Ps. 96:1-3,7-8,10, Luke 5:1-11
“And Jesus said to Simon, ‘Do not be afraid; henceforth you will be catching men.’ And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed him.” (Luke 5:10-11)
Every human being is a bundle of potentials. Made in the image and likeness of God, there is virtually no limit to the range of human positive possibilities. One of my favourite quotations goes thus: “It is our light, not our darkness that frightens us the most.” When we consider what we are capable of doing if we let our light shine, we become scared of ourselves.
There is so much good inside of us waiting to be explored, waiting to be shared, waiting to be discovered and used by the millions of people out there. There is so much you can do for God. We exist to be good. We are alive to touch people positively. It all begins with allowing our inner light to shine.
This is what St. Peter encourages us to do in the first reading of today. “Practice hospitality ungrudgingly to one another. As each has received a gift, employ it for one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” If you have the talent of speaking, let your words be uplifting, if serving is your talent, serve as though you are an Angel from heaven, if it is writing, then write what is true and beneficial to your readers. Whatever is your gift, use it to build up the community.
Peter was shocked when his net caught such a huge catch of fish in broad daylight. He had worked all night long without any success but only reluctantly threw his net into the sea at the command of Jesus. Peter represents a lot of people in our world who have no idea of their potential until they meet Jesus. And just as Peter obeyed the word of Jesus to cast his net into the sea, we would all be surprised what we are capable of doing, if only we decide to obey God’s words every day of our life.
We remember St. Patrick today, a man who like Peter fully explored his spiritual potential making such a huge catch of souls in Ireland. The faith was firmly established there. Virtually every family had a priest or sister. We are eternally grateful to the Irish missionaries who evangelized our country Nigeria. Through one man St. Patrick, millions have been touched. Do you know what you are capable of doing if you just let your light shine?
Let us pray: Lord Jesus, use me till nothing else is left of me. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. (St Patrick, Bishop: Secondary Patron of Nigeria – Feast. Bible Study: 1 Peter 4:7-11, Ps. 96:1-3,7-8,10, Luke 5:1-11).
© Rev. Fr. Evaristus Abu