Please read the Scripture passage before the homily.
The prophet Jeremiah tried to resign his commission as prophet, but God did allow him to quit (see Jeremiah 15:10-21). Jonah ran away to get away from being a prophet, but God caught up with him (Jonah 4:1-11). Paul was persecuting the Church when God called him to be a missionary (Acts 9:1-9). Peter had denied knowing the Lord three times. None of these received punishment for their refusal to work. In fact, Peter received his old job back after admitting three times that he loved Jesus.
To my knowledge, neither God nor Jesus demanded anything from those whom they called, except to love. So, all you sinners out there who are reading this homily, and all those who will discuss today’s passage, as well as the sinner writing this blog should know that God calls us to conversion, not to punishment.
To Peter Jesus said to feed Jesus’ sheep and follow Jesus. Jesus has the same message for us, that we should feed Jesus’ sheep and follow Jesus.
Our families, our friends, those whom we mistreat, those whom we meet here, there or anywhere are all Jesus’ sheep and he tells us to feed them. We have not received punishment and we should not give out punishment. We have received, instead, grace and we should be giving out grace. This is how we show love, and this is how we follow Jesus.