Afraid, Amazed, Awestruck

Fr. Lawrence Jagdfeld, O.F.M., Administrator

The Gospels of St. Mark and St. Matthew relate how Jesus called his first disciples on the seashore and how they left their nets and followed Jesus after he had promised to make them "fishers of men." The Gospel of St. Luke adds a few details to the story, a story which we tell again in today's liturgy, a story that involves a seemingly miraculous catch of fish. St. Peter's response to the catch is to confess that he is a sinful man. He recognizes the "otherness" of Jesus; he becomes aware of the fact that he is in the presence of a holy man. That realization causes him to be afraid. Jesus' response is something we have heard over and over again in the Scriptures: "Do not be afraid."

The English language has seen many transformations as it continually develops. One such development is what some may call an overuse of two adjectives; namely, "amazing" and "awesome." As a former English teacher, I have been struck by the fact that that which might have been at one time described as beautiful or delightful, fabulous or engaging, captivating or alluring has now fallen into the category of amazing and awesome. I am sure that eventually some other adjective will break into modern social parlance; but for the time being, we seem to be stuck on these two descriptive adjectives. One result of this over usage is that these words have lost some of their original meaning. In today's Gospel passage, for instance, I am not sure that most of us would describe Peter's reaction as one of amazement or of being awestruck. Yet that is clearly what is being conveyed in this story. Peter is filled with awe at the holiness of Jesus; so much so that he is also aware of his sinfulness.

I hope that we have not lost our sense of amazement at the miracle of God's presence in our midst. There are some indications that warn me that this might in fact be the case. Peter reminds us today of just how awesome it is that we find ourselves in the presence of God whenever we enter into the sacramental life of the Church, and Jesus reminds us at the same time that we need not be afraid or amazed. Such is God's love for us.