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 they 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:
Today, we remember St Patrick, the one who we are told converted Ireland to the faith in the fifth century. For today’s reflection, I’m using the Gospel specific to the memorial of St Patrick (so it’s not the usual one for Tuesday in the 4th Week of Lent). I do think it is safe to say that St Patrick took the words of Jesus to heart for sure – “put out into deep water and lower your nets for a catch.” It’s a great reminder to those of us who follow Jesus that we, too, are called to “put out into deep water”, even though the shallow, familiar water is so much more comfortable to be in.
St Patrick was kidnapped by Irish pirates and spent several years imprisoned in Ireland before he escaped. St Patrick’s own recollection was that he had a vision some years after, back at home in England, inviting him back to Ireland: “we appeal to you, holy servant boy, to come and walk among us.”. Patrick wasn’t even a priest then, so he started studies and was ordained a priest, eventually became a bishop and was sent to bring the gospel to Ireland. Now, I think no one would have thought a moment if Patrick decided not to return to Ireland (he had, after all, been imprisoned there). But, Patrick realized that was the “deep water” for him, and the result was that he did convert Ireland to the faith.
The Gospel today, the call of Peter, Andrew, James and John, should cause us to ask ourselves how committed we are to living a life according to the Gospel of Jesus. Our lives should stand out, because of who we worship and who we seek to bring to the world. Most likely, you and I won’t be called to go to a foreign place and convert it to Christianity, but we still can shine the light of Jesus’ love to those we meet today and every day. These days of Lent are to help us re-focus and maybe re-prioritize our lives so that we live more after Jesus’ example. The key, of course, is that we make these changes in our actions not just during Lent, but that we continue them the rest of the year, too. May that be our aim with all we do to try to follow Jesus better!
Action for the Day:
Take a moment today and consider how you pattern your life after that of Jesus. Do you try to think of others and their needs as much as you think of your own? Have you tried to deepen your love for Jesus, and shine out His light? Take time today to ponder those questions, and ask God to help you! Trust that He will help you and bless all the kindness you share today and always.
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