Today's Mass readings present us with a number of disciplines. These disciplines free us to serve Christ and His Kingdom joyfully, energetically, and wholeheartedly.
We can group these disciplines into three broad categories: undefiant, unhindered, and untiring. Let's examine each area of discipline as reflected in the readings.
I. Undefiant
Today's first reading covers the ministry of the reluctant prophet, Jonah. In today's reading, we only hear the end of the story, but as most of us know, Jonah was not merely reluctant to accept his prophetic mission; he was downright defiant.
Refusal – The word of the Lord came to Jonah, son of Amittai: "Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it…" But Jonah ran away from the Lord and headed for Tarshish (1:1-3). Jonah deliberately fled from God; he refused the mission.
Flight – Nineveh was 550 miles east of Israel. Tarshish was 2500 miles west of Israel. You see the picture? Jonah was making a serious getaway! Instead of traveling 550 miles to do God's will, he was willing to travel 2500 miles to get away from God's will. It's always a longer journey when one defies God.
Resistance – As Jonah flees God, great storms arise at sea. The storms of defiance rage, but Jonah sleeps—and the storms affect not only him but also those sailing with him. Yes, our moral decisions affect others around us despite our self-centered notion that what we do is nobody else's business. Thus, for some of us, there may be great storms entering our lives.
Has it ever occurred to you that some of the storms in your life are related to a situation where God said "This way," but you defied Him and said "No, that way"? Perhaps we should all wake up and say, "What does this storm mean?"
Return – Swallowed by the great fish, Jonah is brought back exactly to the place (Joppa) from which he had departed from God. Indeed, God says, "Let's try this again." So Jonah prepares and goes to Nineveh, according to the Lord's will. Yes, this time, Jonah was smart.
The point here is that disciples (we) must learn to be undefiant. God wants to "save us some miles." Obedience to His will is always easier than disobedience.
Also consider how undefiant the Ninevites are as they hear and follow Jonah's message, and notice how this saves them from destruction.
It is always easier to follow God. I didn't say it's easy, just easier. Sin may be more pleasant and easier in the moment, but it brings a world of difficulties and complications in its wake. If you don't think so, just read a newspaper and consider how many of our difficulties are directly related to our sinful attitudes and choices. The vast majority of the world's suffering is directly attributable to humanity's sinful rebellion. The first discipline of the disciple is being undefiant. With this discipline, we remain teachable and open to God's wisdom, thus sparing ourselves many hardships.
II. Unhindered
Being unhindered means being unchained, free to move. Today's second reading presents a vivid and sober portrait of what it looks like to be unhindered and detached:
I tell you, brothers and sisters, the time is running out. From now on, let those who have wives live as if they had none, those who weep as if they were not weeping, those who rejoice as if they were not rejoicing, those who buy as if they owned nothing, and those who use the world as if they were not using it fully. For the world in its present form is passing away (1 Cor 7:29 ff).
This passage does not mean we have no recourse at all to these things and people, but rather that we live "as if" we did not have them. In other words, we must seek the gift of realizing that nothing in this passing world remains. Nothing here, even marriage, is the sole reason for our existence or the only source of meaning for us. God and God alone is the source of meaning and the lasting purpose of our life. Everything else will pass.
For most of us, detachment from this world is the battle, the central struggle we must face. Our attachment to this world hinders us from freely following Christ. A few passages come to mind: Jesus said [to the rich young man]:
"If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have, (and you will have treasure in heaven) and come, follow me."
At these words, he went away sad, for he had great possessions. And Jesus looked around and said to his disciples:
"How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!"
And the disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said to them again:
"Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God" (Mark 10:22 ff).
No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and Money… Therefore do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well (Matthew 6:24).
The world has a thousand hooks in us. We are chained and hindered; our freedom to follow Christ is severely compromised. The struggle to be free and unhindered is a process. God can give us this freedom, but it requires time and obedience on our part. Little by little, God breaks the chains of this world; all its riches seem of little value to us. Slowly, we come to what Saint Paul said:
But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ (Philippians 3:7-8).
III. Untiring
Consider that among Jesus' first disciples were several fishermen. Today's Gospel text says:
"Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God: 'The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.'"
As he passed by the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting their nets into the sea; they were fishermen. Jesus said to them, "Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men."
Is there a meaning in the fact that fishermen were among His first and most prominent disciples? Perhaps. Consider that fishermen have certain important qualities that are useful. Fishermen are:
Patient – Fishermen often have to wait many hours, even days, for a catch. Disciples need patience, as do evangelizers.
Professional – Fishermen must spend time learning about types of fish and their behaviors, observing the water and navigating, knowing the right time of day and the right season to fish. They must know the right bait and the proper use of the net.
All these qualities are good for disciples and are particularly useful in evangelization, which is the "first task" of the disciple. By developing practical knowledge, we learn about our faith and find effective ways to be fishers of men.
Goal-Oriented – When fishermen fish, they are entirely focused on their enterprise. It's all they do; everything is centered on the main task. They are focused. Disciples surely need more of this attitude. The Book of James says:
"A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways" (James 1:8).
Saint Paul says:
"But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:13-14).
Every disciple must be more focused.
Pursuers – Note that they simply go to the fish. Too many Catholic parishes simply open their doors hoping people will come to them—that is not evangelization. The key word for disciples and evangelizers is this: go.
In Partnership – Fishermen work as a team. Jesus sends the disciples out two by two.
Persistent – If fishermen don't catch anything one day, they come back the next. Disciples surely need to persevere, both in their own journey and in forming disciples in others.
In today's readings, there are a number of disciplines. The green vestments of Ordinary Time remind us of growth, both our own and that of the Church. Ultimately, a free heart is a joyful heart. It is a heart that does not tire easily because it is not divided by serving two masters. It is a heart that serves the Kingdom without flinching.
This homily was originally published in English by Monsignor Charles Pope – ADW – Article Link.
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