Fishers all

“Come after me and I will make you fishers of men” (Mt. 4: 19). This amazing invitation of Christ from today’s Gospel reading is addressed, not only to those who are called to be Priests, Religious Brothers and Sisters, and Lay Apostles, but to anyone and everyone who chooses to be a follower of Christ, the Lover of all mankind. As someone has expressed so well: “Christ calls each one of us to be ‘fishers of men’, using whatever nets we possess, in whatever oceans and seas we find ourselves.”

It is not just by studying or teaching God’s Word that this is accomplished, nor does it mean belonging to a particular religion or religious organization. By words and deeds, “fishers of men” come from all walks of life: from the most ordinary to the extraordinary; from the most to the least educated; from whatever country and culture; from mere children to the aged. Proclaiming the Good News of love and service through one’s very life and lifestyle.

Let us start with children as “fishers of men.” Last Sunday, on the front page of The Philippine STAR was the picture of Jordan, a 13-year-old boy from Queensland, Australia. At the height of the raging floods, he asked the rescuer to save his younger brother first, and when the rescuer came back for Jordan, the rope snapped, and he was swept away to his death by the floodwaters. This young, family hero will continue to inspire many readers for days to come. This includes me, an 80-year-old Priest. I am inspired to continue my ministry of love and service to others, inspite of my old age.

Right now, my family and I are still in deep mourning. My youngest brother passed away just a couple of weeks ago at the age of 57. At one of our wake Masses, I asked his one and only grandchild to share something of her experience with her grandpa. I could hardly believe what I heard from this 8-year-old grand-niece of mine. She was so spontaneous, loving, inspiring, and precocious. She moved all of us, including the Priests who were concelebrating the Mass with me. A child her age and already a “fisher” of men.

Let us now move to the adult world. Take this dedicated farmer from a remote barrio. He is very masipag, loving and serving not only his family, but also his neighbors who are in need. In fact, he is a much-appreciated kagawad in their neighborhood. His moral integrity to both his family and his community is beyond question. A “fisher of men” indeed. Not only that. There are so many other farmers like him all over the country who are never mentioned on the front pages of the newspapers. Their names are kept in the heart of God.

What about this female elementary school teacher who has been teaching for the last 30 years. Very devoted, not only in imparting knowledge to her beloved students, but in forming them to grow up with the right moral values. She literally enjoys and loves what she is doing, which she has committed herself to, for the rest of her life. Generation after generation of future husbands and wives, fathers and mothers, doctors, lawyers, and public servants pass through her. And here again: We have so many other teachers like her all over the country! Unknown “fishers of men.”

What about our many government employees who are honest and dedicated in their service to our people? The corrupt ones are a minority, and the majority who are not are the saving grace of our country. Quite a number of them have the opportunity to ask for lagay, but they do not. Instead, many of their spouses also find work, so they could make both ends meet. Their quiet but moral lives are contagious. That is their way of preaching the teachings and example of Christ.

All the way up to the leaders of our nation in all the three departments of government: executive, legislative, and the judiciary. Each and every one of them is called by the Lord to be a “fisher of men.” President Noynoy Aquino has been chosen by our people, through God’s inspiration, to lead our country toward love, justice, and peace. His slogan during the election campaign was no less than a discerned mission from the Lord: kung walang corrupt, walang mahirap. Let us all give him our relentless support, for all of us, yes, all of us who are disciples of Christ are called to be “fishers of men,” according to our individual capabilities and gifts. Let us throw away our fears and be boldly and lovingly attached to the person of Christ. Human as we are, like Peter, we may fail here and there. But just like him, we must stand up each time and continue to be “fishers of men.”

Indeed, there is hope for our beloved Philippines!