Social and Business Commerce

Greetings on this the Thursday of the Twenty-second Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: Col 1:9-14; Ps 98:2-3ab, 3cd-4, 5-6; Lk 5:1-11
Notes: An interesting vector into today’s gospel portion is commerce.

Social commerce and business commerce. Jesus was often in the marketplace. The marketplace is for social commerce (interaction among people) and for purchase/sale of goods/services as we use the word today. The Church has always erected a place in the center of town where all the people gathered and all the commerce was conducted. Commerce is not outside the kingdom. Commerce is subordinate to the kingdom. Social commerce is a higher value than business commerce.

Having worked all night, exhausted and having caught nothing Peter, Simon, James and John arrived at the shore. Ready to clean their nets, tidy up and go home without catching anything.

Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret teaching the people. More than teaching, engaging everyone such that, the crowd was pressing in on Jesus and listening to the word of God. Getting into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, he asked him to put out a short distance from the shore. Then he sat down and taught the crowds from the boat.

Simon at the least was intrigued by this exchange but also maybe perhaps he might earn something after a penniless night fishing. After [Jesus] had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water and lower your nets for a catch.”

Now Jesus, you have gone too far! OK, I ‘rented’ you my boat for you to sit and teach. But to go back out fishing after all night and right here? No fish are right about the shore at this time of day. Simon said in reply, “Master, we have worked hard all night and have caught nothing, but at your command I will lower the nets.”

No doubt Jesus is persuasive. After listening to the word of God for some time Jesus earned (so to speak) a certain authority beyond his obvious calling.

Jesus
Expert preaching.
Novice fisherman.

Peter
Novice in faith.
Expert Fisherman.

When they had done this, they caught a great number of fish and their nets were tearing. Peter was impressed: For astonishment at the catch of fish they had made seized him and all those with him. When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at the knees of Jesus and said, “Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man.”

The social commerce exceeded the business commerce: When they brought their boats to the shore, they left everything and followed him.

Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.”

Don’t be afraid to make social relation at a higher value than business. The LORD knows what your business needs. It is secondary. Put faith in the center.

First Reading
Brothers and sisters: From the day we heard about you, we do not cease praying for you.

Responsorial
The Lord has made known his salvation.

Gospel Acclamation
Come after me, says the Lord, and I will make you fishers of men.

Gospel
When they brought their boats to the shore, they left everything and followed him.

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry