Memorial of Saint Gregory the Great, Pope and Doctor of the Church
Jesus says, “No.” Well, not literally. At Simon’s demand that Jesus depart from him because he was a sinful man, Jesus responds, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.” In other words, “I will not depart from you. I will be with you, and you will learn from me.”
It’s interesting to note that in yesterday’s Gospel, the people asked Jesus to stay and he declined, while today Peter asks Jesus to leave and he declines as well. Jesus won’t be controlled. But more importantly, he chooses helpers to be present where he cannot be.
We who have been caught by the net of Peter and all those who came after him, are called to become ourselves helpers, fishers of men, instruments of God and his loving presence among us.