The Fisherman
f Christ had
first chosen a man skilled in public speaking, such a man might well have
said: "I have been chosen on account of my eloquence." If he
had chosen a senator, the senator might have said: "I have been chosen
because of my rank." If his first choice had been an emperor, the
emperor surely might have said: "I have been chosen for the sake of
the power I have at my disposal." Let these worthies keep quiet and
defer to others; let them hold their peace for a while. I am not saying
they should be passed over or despised; I am simply asking all those who
can find any grounds for pride in what they are to give way to others just
a little.
Christ says: Give me this fisherman, this man without education or experience,
this man to whom no senator would deign to speak, not even if he were buying
fish. Yes, give me him; once I have taken possession of him, it will be
obvious that it is I who am at work in him. Although I meant to include
senators, orators, and emperors among my recruits, even when I have won
over the senator I shall still be surer of the fisherman. The senator can
always take pride in what he is; so can the orator and the emperor, but
the fisherman can glory in nothing except Christ alone.
From John E. Rotelle, O.S.A., Tradition Day by Day: Readings from
Church Writers. Augustinian Press. Villanova, PA, 1994.
HTML text prepared by David P. Steelman.
The "Daily Reflection" page on the Villanova University web site is sponsored by
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This page was updated on
Monday June 09, 2003.
