On the Back Porch
Reading, pondering and studying God’s Word is sometimes best done “on the back porch.” Each week we will try to offer something for you and your “back porch time.”
5th Sunday, Year C | Calling Simon Peter
What We Celebrate
The gospel for the previous Sundays have been in Galilee in the vicinity of Nazareth. Now Jesus has moved to the north end of the Sea of Galilee to Capernaum. There he has healed Simon’s mother-in-law, cured many illnesses, and add to the notoriety that is spreading in this northern region. To this point Jesus’ proclamation of the Kingdom of God has been a “solo act” so to speak. In this reading Jesus will begin to call people to act on the Word. St. Luke’s portrayal of the scene of calling the first disciples is subtly different that Mark/Matthew. Jesus never says “follow me.” Is that important? Is it important that Jesus calls him Simon-Peter? That Simon-Peter is “in the boat” and “in the deep waters?”
There is a lot to unpack in these verses, so grab your favorite beverage and take some time on the back porch.
Full Text of the Sunday Readings
Detailed Commentary on the Gospel
Calling of the Apostles Peter and Andrew | Lorenzo Veneziano, 1370 | Staatliche Museen, Berlin | PD-US
The Calling of Simon Peter
The video below from the series “The Chosen” is a good portrayal of the events of this gospel. The screen play does combine elements of the other “call stories” from Mark and Matthew, but it wonderfully captures two scenes: the miraculous catch of fish and Simon’s confession of unworthiness. Enjoy.