The Unauthorized Homily

By Bill Dunn

A commentary on the Scripture readings from the Sunday Lectionary

(Scripture readings for Sunday, January 27th: Isaiah 8:23-9:3; 1 Corinthians 1:10-13, 17; Matthew 4: 12-23)

(ALL) DISCIPLES ARE CALLED TO BE ‘FISHERS OF MEN’

In the second half of this week’s gospel reading, Jesus called His first four disciples to follow Him. (I hope the priest or deacon doesn’t opt for the shorter version of this week’s reading, verses 12–17. I don’t know why they even offer these abridged options for some of the readings. I mean, it’s not like we Catholics are saturated with Scripture verses during the week. To chop off part of the gospel reading just to save 90 seconds strikes me as, well, kind of silly. What are we gonna do with that extra minute-and-a-half, get a head start in the “Catholic 500 Demolition Derby,” which takes place each week in the parking lot the moment Mass is over?)

When Jesus called the two sets of brothers, Peter and Andrew, and James and John, He used that classic line, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.”

I’m so glad the New American Bible, the official Catholic translation, retained the catchy phrase “fishers of men” (pun intended). I recently noticed in a different Bible version that this phrase had been translated as: “gatherers of persons.” Yuck.

Anyway, “fishers of men” is an interesting phrase. To the folks who despise religious faith, the phrase is sinister. (If you’re not sure who exactly despises religious faith, just check out some of the atheists on the New York Times best-seller list, or the organizations that file frivolous lawsuits because there is—horror of horrors!—a Christmas tree in a public school.) These people think that Christian evangelists do exactly what a fisherman does: captures the unsuspecting prey against it’s will, and then takes it out of it’s natural element and destroys it.

Now it’s possible that Jesus used the expression “fishers of men” simply as a play on words about the occupation of those first four disciples, since they all were professional fisherman. Maybe the phrase had no other meaning beyond that. But Jesus rarely said anything that did not have some deeper meaning to it. I think Jesus used the phrase, “Fishers of men,” for a reason.

Jesus did not tell them that they would be, “Teachers of men,” or, “Leaders of men,” or, “Judges of men,” or, “Examples for men”—although they eventually did become all of those things. (Please don’t get hung up on the “men” thing. It obviously refers to all humanity; there’s no gender exclusivity here. “Fishers of persons” just doesn’t have much of a ring to it—and “gatherers of persons” is just wrong on so many levels. )

A fisherman’s main job is not to teach the fish. He doesn’t advise, assist, befriend, or serve the fish. But it is true, as the God-haters claim, that a fisherman’s job is to capture the fish and take it out of it’s natural element. However, unlike what a fisherman does to a real fish, the Christian evangelist does not destroy the one who is captured. On the contrary, the one who is “captured for Christ” is SAVED from destruction.

You see, our natural element is really not so wonderful. When left to our own devices—when the spiritual dimension of our lives is ignored—we human beings can be quite selfish and cruel and sinful. And the ultimate destination of a person who rejects God and instead embraces self-centered sinfulness is not very pleasant—unless you define being completely separated for all of eternity from God and from all expressions of love as being pleasant.

When we are “captured” by a Christian evangelist—a fisher of men—we put our faith in Jesus and turn our lives over to Him. Jesus then fills us with His Holy Spirit, who helps us put our sinful human nature to death so we can live by the power of the Spirit. Best of all, when this happens, our sins are forgiven and we receive the gift of eternal life.

The problem is, most Christian laypeople think that the job of “fishers of men” is reserved only for people like Billy Graham, Pope Benedict, or Monsignor McGillicuddy. In other words, the task of being a Christian evangelist is for the professional clergy only.

Well, that is simply not the case. Jesus never intended for His chosen disciples to be the only ones doing the preaching, teaching, and men-fishing. (Men-fishing? That sounds as weird as “gatherers of persons.”) All believers in Christ have the duty to spread the Good News of the Gospel to our friends, relatives, neighbors, and co-workers.

OK, hopefully by now you have recovered from your fainting spell. I didn’t mean to terrify you with the idea that we Catholics should go out and start knocking on doors like the Mormons do. But on the other hand, two thoughts occur to me: 1) the old method of “breeding the next generation” of Catholics is not viable anymore, as families are much smaller these days and those born into the Church no longer feel compelled to remain in the Church when they grow up; and 2) if faith in Christ is so life-changingly wonderful—as we must believe if we believe Jesus is who He said He is—then it’s downright scandalous NOT to share this saving faith with others.

So, am I suggesting we ought to be just like the Mormons? No, of course not. When we knock on doors we don’t have to wear a tie.

Now, before you faint again, at least give it some thought. Maybe knocking on the doors of strangers is not the most effective method. But maybe inviting someone who hasn’t been to Mass in ages to join you on Sunday morning is a good first step. (And offer to buy breakfast afterward.)

Our desperate world needs a lot more active “fishers of men.” Sitting back and waiting for the professionals to do the job just won’t work anymore.

©2008