Luke 5:10
Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; henceforth you will be catching men.”
Two days ago, the reading showed the satanic approach to the mystery of the human person: Satan’s attempt at a sort of spiritual rape by ripping away the clothing and screaming, “I know who you are!” It is an approach violently opposed by Jesus, who silences the demon and hurls him out. Today’s gospel shows Christ’s approach to the mystery of the human person. In it, Jesus gently reveals as much of His glory as Peter can bear and Peter humbly unveils as much of his sinfulness as he can stand: “Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man.” Jesus doesn’t reply, “Boy! I’ll say! I can see right through you and you don’t know the half of it, pal!” Instead, He gives Peter his dignity as well as mercy and calls him to a work of love. Here is the sacrament of confession in a nutshell.
