The Gospel according to Luke (5:1-11)
While the crowd was pressing in on Jesus and listening to the word of God, he was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret. He saw two boats there alongside the lake; the fishermen had disembarked and were washing their nets. Getting into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, he asked him to put out a short distance from the shore. Then he sat down and taught the crowds from the boat. After he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water and lower your nets for a catch.” Simon said in reply, “Master, we have worked hard all night and have caught nothing, but at your command I will lower the nets.” When they had done this, they caught a great number of fish and their nets were tearing. They signaled to their partners in the other boat to come to help them. They came and filled both boats so that the boats were in danger of sinking. When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at the knees of Jesus and said, “Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man.” For astonishment at the catch of fish they had made seized him and all those with him, and likewise James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners of Simon. Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.” When they brought their boats to the shore, they left everything and followed him.
Reflection:
Although it didn’t happen a lot, I remember how awesome it felt to be one of the firsts kids picked on a playground team. Later, being chosen to be on a varsity high school team was a great highlight in my young life. Not too long after high school I met someone who I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. And, even though I could say I chose Ana (my then future wife) it would be more accurate to say we chose each other. As incredible as it may feel to be chosen for any number of situations and reasons nothing can compare to the call of God made man, Jesus.
Today’s Gospel is an account of who Jesus called to be his first disciples. These men would eventually become His twelve apostles, His closest friends, and allies. When we stop and think about who He chose to form, teach, and leave His ministry with doesn’t that give you hope? It does me because Jesus trusted some pretty sketchy characters with faults and flaws comparable to mine. Look at what these twelve men, along with many women and others who answered Jesus’ call have been able to accomplish. Our precious church exists today because these men and women not only answered His call but also because they cooperated with the grace of their individual relationship with the one who calls.
We are ALL called to fellowship with Jesus. Some know it and some do not. However, those who hear the call are not always good followers. How many of us can relate to Peter’s reaction when He realized he was in the presence of the Messiah? We may want to shrink away from Jesus but, like with Peter, He tells us “Do not be afraid”. Our yes and sincere effort to follow Him will reap a harvest because we too can be fishers of people who hunger for relationship with Jesus made present in the fellowship you share.
Action of the Day:
Most if not all ministry requires that we are present. In fact I have heard many describe their particular ministry as a ministry of presence. Consider joining a ministry in your church. The harvest is great and the workers few. Answer his call to stretch and reach with your faith and do not be afraid.
Audio Reflection:
