To be fishers of men — Silvio José Báez, ocd

To be “fishers of men” [Mt 4:18-22] is to be builders of men, that is, people who approach others, seeking their good, serving them, helping them to move forward, supporting them in their difficulties, and above all imparting hope and the joy of believing.

To be “fishers of men” is to be educators of men, that is, people who dedicate themselves to educating new generations integrally in the great human values of justice and truth in order to build a new culture founded on dialogue, respect, and tolerance.

To be “fishers of men” is to be liberators of men, that is, persons who defend people’s freedom and dignity, fighting against everything that oppresses and humiliates human beings.

To be “fishers of men” is the Church’s deepest mission and joy. It is to this that Jesus calls us. For this, he has looked upon us and called us each by name. Jesus’s loving gaze and his word reach their fullness and yield their most precious fruit when our lives become mission.

Let’s not fear to let Jesus look upon us, to listen to his call, and follow him. We will always find something better, greater hope and joy, and life in all its fullness.

Silvio José Báez, o.c.d.

Auxiliary Bishop of Managua
Homily, Third Sunday in Ordinary Time (excerpt)
22 January 2023

Translation from the Spanish text is the blogger’s own work product and may not be reproduced without permission.

Featured image: Wall art at the Sea of Galilee. Image credit: Tim Mossholder / Unsplash