Responding to the Calling
Epiphany 5; Luke 5:1-11
No, the miracles weren’t what convinced us:
neither finding of fish we’d been missing,
nor the healing of someone at Simon’s,
neither stories of words from the heavens,
nor a dove flitting down on his shoulder.
Maybe these were for some confirmation,
and for those left behind, compensation.

As for us, we were hooked when we heard him,
and we followed all over the city,
while our fishing was left until evening,
and too often we turned back with nothing.
For a time, we avoided commitment,
clung to living in ways grown accustomed.
Something hankered to keep the familiar;
something stronger was yearning for meaning.

On the shore he was followed by people
as eager as we were for teaching,
or hoping to reach out for healing:
so many, too close to the Master!
When he chose Simon’s boat as a platform,
it seemed right to find places beside him.
We were washed by the words of his wisdom,
minds and hearts were filled almost to breaking.

Yes, I guess we resented it slightly
when he showed us the spot to go fishing,
but we softened to share his enjoyment;
he deserved a reward for his teaching.
When our nets became laden to bursting,
we saw visible what was reflecting
the abundance our souls had discovered.
Without Jesus, we’d always be empty.

We left nets full of fish for the others,
knowing some would make use of the bounty,
and we followed him, drawn by a current
too strong for our token resistance.
As our eyes sought out wider horizons,
we found joy in his very existence,
and sang praise for unfolding becoming
in a world that was new to our wonder.
	Barbara Messner 6/02/2025