Most Reverend Vincent Long Van Nguyen OFM Conv DD STL, Bishop of Parramatta
Homily for the 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C
Readings: Is 6:1-8; 1Cor 15:3-8; Luke 5:1-11
Called to go beyond the safe harbour to where God’s Spirit leads us
Dear sisters and brothers,
We all feel a degree of helplessness and even despair at times. There are personal circumstances such as the sudden tragic death of a loved one, the diagnosis of a terminal illness, the unexpected collapse of a long-term relationship. Then there are worrying trends in the world that threaten the stability of the global community, the rule of law and not to mention the ecological crisis. In the midst of these situations, it is easy for us to be overwhelmed, numbed and despondent. We feel unable to meet the challenge of making a difference to the lives of so many people. Even as believers, we are tempted to give up the good fight and retreat into our comfort zones.
There are stories of extraordinary courage, generosity and hope which inspire us to persevere in the task of being the force of leaven in the world. We think of the religious sisters in Gaza, for example. They are the living embodiment of the Gospel imperative to love, to serve and to walk the extra mile with the afflicted. Though tested to the limits of their endurance, they remain totally committed to their people, especially the sick, the elderly and those with disabilities. Their decision to stay in the rubble literally and accompany the victims of war is an ultimate act of courage, generosity and empathy.
Scriptures on this Sunday challenge us to be a missionary and prophetic community of disciples, ready to cross the shallow harbour of self-interest to the deeper waters of solidarity, witness and service.
Christian discipleship is not about protecting one’s status quo, interests and security at all costs. Rather, it is more about the call to follow Christ whose entire existence was driven by self-emptying love for the sake of others.
In the first reading, we hear the story of how Isaiah experienced the call to be God’s messenger. King Uzziah’s death signals the beginning of the political instability in Israel and its subsequent invasion by the Assyrians. In such a time, one’s priority is often dictated by self-preservation. It would take great courage to go out on a limb in order to speak and act on behalf of the poor, exploited and forgotten. Yet, this was precisely what Isaiah was prepared to do. He stepped up and accepted the vocation of being the conduit of God’s Word and embodying his pathos for the suffering. “Here I am Lord. Send me.” His trustful response has been the source of inspiration for countless generations of believers. Isaiah shows us that true discipleship lies in our ability to negotiate a precarious and vulnerable pathway rather than our instinctive attachment to personal safety and security.
The Gospel tells us about a story of Jesus and his disciples crossing over to the other side of the sea. The story bears surprising parallels to the Jonah story in the Old Testament. In both accounts, there are the storm, the fear on the part of those on board and the main character who is asleep through it all. Even more crucial is the fact that they manifest the God who challenges the people to move beyond their familiar worlds. In Jonah’s case, it was to Niniveh, which was the capital of Israel’s archenemy, the Babylonian Empire. In the disciples’ case, it was Jesus who accompanied them on their missionary journey outside their safe world.
In the context of the early Church moving beyond its Jewish origins, the story aims at something much more profound than the recognition of Jesus’ miraculous powers. It is a summons to a greater faith as the small group of homogenous people evolved into a universal reality, with all the complexities that it brought. Jesus’ words to the frightened disciples are a reminder to us to trust in his power and to meet the challenges of the world we have been ushered into.
Just as Jesus and his disciples faced the storm when they crossed the familiar territory, we are also facing a time of chaos as we move beyond the safe harbour of Christian society. Not only are we leaving behind the cultural Christianity that once dictated the customs, practices and even ethics of this nation, we are becoming a minority facing insurmountable odds. But as he was then with them, Jesus is now with us. He accompanies us not by intervening and changing the circumstances in our favour. Rather, he shows himself as he always did to his disciples, by his total solidarity and vulnerability.
Dear brothers and sisters,
It is with this conviction that we commend this community under the care of the new Pastor, Fr Gayan. Jesus’ words to his disciples are especially pertinent to you. “Put out into deep water” is indeed your next challenge. I trust that together with Fr Gayan, you will build on the work of Tony and Annette, and the community can move forward towards greater things ahead. May the teaching and example of Jesus guide us as we endeavour to build relationships and communities that mirror the Reign of God. May we have the courage to launch into the deep and allow ourselves to be led by the radical call of the Gospel.
