February 6: Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Posted by Campus Ministry on Sunday, February 6, 2022 at 8:00 AM PST
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Luke chapter 5 begins a long section (5:1–7:50) about the Savior's call for faith in our gospel readings. Combining miracle stories, call narratives, dialogues with his opponents, and a parable, Jesus showed the reason to follow in faith, the will to follow, the power to follow, the position to follow, and the lifestyle to follow.
Have you ever felt like something within was telling you to go in a new direction? When I was an undergraduate student, I remember feeling torn between my declared major of Religion and Philosophy and my interest in Social Work. I felt as if God was directing my path in a new direction. I knew I had a call to ministry, and I believed, of course, I should major in a discipline that would give me a formation in thought and critical analysis. However, I enjoyed coming alongside others in need or crisis. I was a “Dear Abbey” friend in high school, and people trusted me with their most sacred thoughts. I shared my dilemma with my peers, but my ministry peers did not support my thoughts. I decided to speak with my advisor. I explained to my advisor that I was discerning my call and wanted to pastor. My adviser, an ordained Methodist Elder, advised me to become a Social Work student, to my surprise.
Oh boy, he was CORRECT! I have been a lead pastor for almost twenty years. My Social Work background has helped me thrive as a pastor and has complimented my seminary training, which formed religion-philosophy and critical analysis skills. Is God calling you to a new position, a new venture, a new relationship, or a new station on your life's journey? When Simon answered Jesus, "Yet if you say so, I will let down the nets," his life changed for the greater because of his faith. I invite you to pay attention to the directions God is calling you to this week. As you continue to journey by faith, I pray that you will experience the joys of faithfulness.
~ Dr. Troy Lynn Carr, Interim Ecumenical and Multifaith Campus Minister