Our initial meeting was abundant. There were fourteen participants; we took time to connect and to receive one another before delving into our theme.There were also some tasty looking breakfasts and delicious cups of coffee enjoyed.
The story we reflected on was Luke 5:1-11, Jesus' calling of his first disciples, which we listened to carefully.The discussion was deep and textured, and even copious notes will not do justice to the substance. Here are some highlights.
Among things we initially noted and wondered about:
(a) Simon addresses Jesus as "Master." Given that Simon begins the story not as someone coming to listen to Jesus but as a nearby laborer finishing a disappointingly unproductive shift--and into whose day Jesus seems to intrude-- what is the meaning of the title Simon uses?
(b) Jesus is pressed upon by the crowd listening to his proclamation of the good news of God's love. Even with the huge crowd "commanding" his attention, Jesus notices two "empty" boats. He gets into Simon's boat. Did he recognize something special in Simon?
(c) We noted Simon's willingness to respond, even after expressing reservation. One person noted that after a fruitless overnight shift of work, she would have wanted to go home and would have resisted Jesus' invitations.
(d)The resourcefulness of Jesus was noted. In the face of the crowd's grasping, he appropriates an empty boat as his pulpit, engages the exhausted fisherman as a partner-in-mission, transforms Simon Peter's spiritual geography, and enlists three other fisherman to "leave everything and follow him" as well!
(e) When Simon Peter says, "Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man," a reason is given, "for astonishment seized him."
(1) First, the term translated "Master" is epistates, a term for Jesus that is only used in Luke. It communicates leadership, guidance, overseeing; this is in contrast to other NT terms translated "Master," like kurios (lord,ruler). despotes (owner, controller), or oikodespotes (house owner, manager). The term here is respectful and relational. Simon is feeling inspired or compelled, but he is not being coerced or manipulated. Cool!
(2) Jesus sees beyond the requests we make. He notices the empty places and experiences, and enters into them. It is worth considering that Jesus sees "something special" in all of us! Simon is a foil for each one of us in this story. It is interesting that failure and fatigue provide inspired opportunity! When are we exhausted and spent? How do we "fish" for outcomes in our lives? Where does Jesus find us? How do we experience him climbing into our boat? In calling disciples, each is moved to move beyond mere listening or hearing.
(3) Simon responds twice. First, he assents to Jesus' suggestion that they set out a little from the shore. There is little description, and no indication that Simon is prepared to do more than provide some space for Jesus to preach. But then Jesus turns to Simon and proposes a more interpersonal, intimate joint venture. Simon doesn't think its going to yield much "fishing-wise," but perhaps there is a stirring that has indicated that it might be more "relationship-wise." What about the gospel, the proclamation of the good news of God's love for all people, stirs us? It is worth noting that for Simon, skepticism or reluctance isn't the last word! He makes a decision; more than one, really.
(4) The progression of Jesus' entry, engagement, our inner transformation, and movement into mission is one to consider carefully. Where and how is this happening, right now?
(5) This is a time when Simon, now called Simon Peter, seems to react rather than respond. We had a rich exploration of the distinction between the two, for Simon and for us! Heaven and earth are having a powerful meeting in his gut! Name changes in the Bible are outward signs of inward change. Simon is "on the Way," even as he begs Jesus to "get outta here!"
Simon Peter is overwhelmed, not unlike young Mary when the Angel Gabriel tells her that the "power of the Most High will overshadow you."
For his part, Jesus tells Simon Peter not to be afraid and describes what he will be doing in the future (not what he "might" be doing). He is living into God's future, his life joined with Jesus.
(6) "Fishing for people" might be a way of saying that the familiar will take a new direction with Jesus, and that abilities we already have will be newly realized for the glory of God! Let that stir the imagination.
(7) "They left everything and followed him." The verb translated "left" is aphiemi, the most common verb in the New Testament meaning "to forgive." Here it is translated to mean that they are willing to let go of life as it has been rigidly shaped in order to receive the newly revealed shape and substance of their being.
Well, that's about a quarter of what we talked about. Folks offered a lot of precious sharing and personal translation as we sifted through the work, events, challenges, blessings,meanings of our lives. It was awesome! Let's keep going. I will try to blog some more later in the week. Please add comments, thoughts, inspirations, and things I have neglected to include.
Next gathering: This Saturday, the 23rd, at 9pm at the DTEC. See you then!
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