Luke 5:1-11

1 Once while Jesus was standing beside the lake of Gennesaret, and the crowd was pressing in on him to hear the word of God, 2 he saw two boats there at the shore of the lake; the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. 3 He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little way from the shore. Then he sat down and taught the crowds from the boat.

4 When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch.” 5 Simon answered, “Master, we have worked all night long but have caught nothing. Yet if you say so, I will let down the nets.” 6 When they had done this, they caught so many fish that their nets were beginning to break. 7 So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both boats, so that they began to sink.

8 But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!”

9 For he and all who were with him were amazed at the catch of fish that they had taken; 10 and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. Then Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching people.” 11 When they had brought their boats to shore, they left everything and followed him.

"Long night, we caught nothing, but on your word we let down our nets!"

Today's Gospel leads us to the Sea of Galilee where Jesus started His ministry among the people of the country side. Most of that population was practicing manual careers: shepherds, peasants, builders, woodsmen, potters, bakers, carpenters, fishermen...

Seeds of meditations for this Sunday:

— Long night, zero result!

The experienced associates, Simon, Andrew, James and John, working as fishermen, have spent a long night fishing in vain - an event we may go through in our lives as well.

In the early morning, as they were washing their nets, a gentleman was passing by. He realized how disappointed they could have been. Then and there, He is going to prepare them for another kind of future.

Starting from their unfruitful experience of last night and using their currently unproductive tools, in Luke 5:3 "He got into one of the boats,” Simon's boat.

— Drop down your nets

Surprising advice, these well trained fishermen know that the nets should not go that deep. Fish are found on top of the water level where it becomes hot. Fish in the lower level couldn't be caught by nets, but by fishing rods. They probably thought that the man was inexperienced in fishing compared with their own talents!

— On your word, we try again

However, after hearing Him teach, a spark of faith heated Simon's heart. According to his spontaneous reaction, Simon says in Luke 5:5 "If you say so, I will let down the nets."

Upon your word Lord, let us try again. You know better. Your word is more powerful and efficient than our knowledge and experience!

— Partners filling both boats

From the very beginning, Jesus wants to see His disciples work together, to be partners in their common witness and co-responsible in their daily tasks, assisting each other to achieve better success.

— Don't be afraid, we’ll have a new mission!

Astonished in the presence of this Man and surprised by what they caught, they experience a mix of admiration and fear. Simon, assuming that he is not worthy to have Jesus in his boat, asks Him to get out.

Jesus is there to bring peace to their hearts and better energy into their efforts. Choosing them for a new life commitment, He stills their entire being. Luke 5:10, “Don't be afraid!"

— Try to see yourself as one of these disciples. Receive His words. "Don't be afraid!” “Try again!

Father Kamal - Feb 6, 2022