Daily Readings - Thu Sep 02 2021
Luke
1One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret, with the people crowding around him and listening to the word of God,2he saw at the water's edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets.3He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat.4When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch."5Simon answered, "Master, we've worked hard all night and haven't caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets."6When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break.7So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink.8When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus' knees and said, "Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!"9For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken,10and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon's partners.11Then Jesus said to Simon, "Don't be afraid; from now on you will catch men." So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.
Sermon
The Gospel reading from Luke 5:1-11 describes a pivotal moment in the early ministry of Jesus. Surrounded by a crowd eager to hear His teachings, Jesus borrows Simon Peter’s boat to preach from the water. After finishing His message, He instructs Simon to cast his nets into the deep water for a catch, despite Simon’s earlier failed attempts. Miraculously, the nets overflow with fish, leading Simon and his companions to recognize the divine presence before them. Overcome with awe and humility, Simon confesses his sinfulness, yet Jesus responds by calling him and the others to follow Him, leaving everything behind. This scene marks the beginning of their discipleship and mission to “catch men” for the Kingdom of God.
This passage invites us to reflect on the nature of faith and trust in God’s providence. Simon, though weary and discouraged from a fruitless night of fishing, obeys Jesus’ command, and his obedience leads to an abundance beyond his wildest expectations. Similarly, we are often called to step out in faith, even when the circumstances seem unlikely or challenging. The miraculous catch of fish is not just a display of Jesus’ power but a reminder that God’s plans often exceed our limited understanding. The call to follow Jesus, like the one extended to Simon, James, and John, is a call to radical trust and surrender.
In our daily lives, we are constantly faced with opportunities to trust God, even when the path ahead seems uncertain. Like Simon, we may feel unworthy or unprepared, but God’s grace is sufficient. The lesson here is not to rely on our own strength or understanding but to surrender to His will. Let us ask ourselves: Are we willing to “cast our nets into the deep” and trust in God’s plan, even when it challenges our comfort or security? May we, like the first disciples, respond with humility and courage, leaving behind the familiar to follow Him who calls us to a life of purpose and fulfillment.