Do You Love Me?

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I read today's Gospel through tears of joy. I was profoundly touched by the conversation between Jesus and Peter. I was moved to tears by the gentleness and compassion Jesus shows to Peter, and to us if we but ask.  The gregarious, outspoken disciple is finally humbled by the Lord and recognizes, maybe for the first time, that Jesus truly loves him, trusts him, forgives, and forgets all of Peter's failings and weaknesses. This passage is moving but we would do well to first read the entire 21st Chapter of John, a mere 25 verses to really understand how the relationship between these two men has moved to an entirely different level. John brings his Gospel to a close by taking us back to the very beginning of the relationship. Back then, Peter was out fishing all night, catching nothing, before his first encounter with the Lord. Here too, Peter, who is at this point confused, wrestling with emotions of hope and guilt, joy and sorrow, is out fishing all night catching nothing. Ag
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The Generosity of God

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Fifth Sunday of Ordinary Time

Isaiah 6:1-8, 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, Luke 5:1-11 

Today I am given a glimpse of the generosity of the Lord. In three readings I find three men who were sinners like me. But unlike me, they readily admitted their sinfulness. They fell, or were knocked in the case of Paul, on their knees. They fell upon their faces before the face of the Almighty. 

Isaiah cries out "I am a man of unclean lips..." 

Paul says, "I am the least of the apostles, not fit to be called an apostle." 

Peter falls before Christ and prays, "depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man." 

All three of these men recognized their unworthiness to stand before God. God had a plan for each of them. He had a job for each of them to do. However, in order for them to be ready to fulfill their mission they had to be humbled. They had to recognize their place in the universe. They, like me, needed to learn that they are loved more than they could ever imagine but they are not the center of the universe. 

Once this conversion took place, God was able to use them to work wonders. God used them then and does so today to show forth His generosity. 

Isaiah was the greatest of all prophets during the worst of all times in Israel's history. God blesses Israel through him; through his words and example. God also used Isaiah to give an indication of the generosity to come with the Messiah (cf Chap 53). 

Paul persecuted the Church. He sought those who were following Christ for their destruction. God chose this persecutor to be the greatest evangelist to ever live. God used Paul to show that His generosity was not reserved for one race but rather for the entire world. 

Peter was a simple fisherman who on that day couldn't catch a thing. God used this fisherman to be the first of many fishers-of-men. God used Peter to show the world that His generosity would endure. Through Peter, the first pope, and until this day we can see the generosity of God through His Catholic Church. As an indication of this generosity God filled their nets and the boats were in danger of sinking. He continues to help the fishermen bring souls into the ship of Peter. 

Today think of how generous God has been with you. Think of all the blessings and gifts He has lavished upon you. Think of what you have prayed for in the past and how far better His plans have been than yours. He loves you and wants to bless you. Be generous with Him for He is generous with you!


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God bless you - Jim Hahn
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