Discernment: When the Suggestion seems Ludicrous

Discernment:  In today’s Gospel, John 21-1-19, Peter and six of his companion apostles go fishing.  They work all night long and catch nothing. Jesus meets them in the morning on the shore of the Sea of Tiberias and asks them if they have caught anything to eat. “No,” they respond.  Jesus suggests that they cast the net over the right side of the boat and “you will find something.” Without hesitation, they do so and haul in 153 fish.  It is only then that they recognize the man on the seashore!

At times the Lord invites us to do that which sounds ludicrous, like date so and so, consider religious life or priesthood, or even respect the vocation of the single lifestyle; or choosing a career that we truly want to pursue but others are against it because “it won’t yield a lot of money—you won’t get wealthy doing that kind of work.” Once we say “yes” and experience the power of God at work in our lives, we recognize that it was Jesus calling us.

Most times, the Spirit’s invitation is not as weighty as vocational or career choices. It could be engaging in a task that is difficult to do at work or within one’s family. It could be changing one’s attitudes or behaviors that frustrate growth in love and forgiveness and mercy toward self or a family member.   It could be getting help to overcome an addiction or to face some limitation that, with help, can be overcome.

Discernment: following suggestions that seem ludicrous to those who do not understand or when viewed without faith and prayerful consideration!  Being true to one’s inner self is difficult at times but possible through the power of the Spirit: our innermost self is hidden. Without developing a life of prayer and reflection, solitude and quiet, we are likely not to recognize “Jesus on the shore of “Tiberias,” and trust God’s suggestions!