_-_James_Tissot_-_overall.jpg)
"In the early morning, as the first streaks of light lit up the beautiful Sea of Galilee, Simon and Andrew were casting nets into the sea. Jesus stood on the shore, watching them as they worked.
As the Divine Lord tarries on the seashore of my life, does He see me casting nets into the sea?
For what am I fishing?
For the pearl of great price?
Or for minnows?
Am I fishing for my own will, or for the will of the beautiful Watcher on the seashore?
Am I fishing for the appreciation of my companions, or for Christ's approval?
Am I fishing for the esteem of men, or for the applause of Christ?
I wonder what Our Lord thinks of me as He stands watching me while I cast my nets morning after morning......"
(from Sheltering the Divine Outcast, compiled by A Religious, The Peter Reilly Co, Philadelphia, 1952, p. 224)
Painting: James Tissot, The Calling of Saint Peter and Saint Andrew
This post is linked to Catholic Bloggers Network Linkup
Definitely something to ponder. Ironically - or maybe not so much irony but the Holy Spirit - I was just thinking about how my eyes are fixated on myself much too much lately. Thanks Nancy. Have a wonderful day.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Kathleen!
DeleteAh fishing for minnows or pearls!! "Our will or the will of the beautiful Watcher..." These are the questions we always need to ask aren't they. So easy to become distracted and off course. I love taking with me the image and truth of our Lord watching us from shore morning after morning. This will resonate a long while...Thank you so very much for these pearls of truth and beauty! God Bless...
ReplyDeleteThe image of Our Lord watching "from shore" has proved striking to me. Thank you!
DeleteNancy, I was wondering if you could send me any info on books pertaining to "easy" reading on Our Blessed Mother. A book that would bring a person closer to her? My email is chabula@juno.com. Have a great weekend and a blessed Sunday!
ReplyDeleteI can't say that I will be much help, but I'll e-mail you in a bit :)! Thanks!
DeleteYes, but Jesus told them where to cast their net. Sometimes I think I am tossing mine about the shore, getting it tangled in the bushes, even as I wonder: "Why can't I seem to catch any fish?" Perhaps He won't speak to me as He spoke to them, but by spending some time with Him, perhaps I can see where He is looking, and cast there.
ReplyDeleteI love what you said: that by spending time with him, perhaps you can see where He is looking, and cast there. Marvelous! A "take away" thought for me, for sure! Thanks so much.
Delete