The Miraculous Catch

 

 Luke 5: 1-11 

 Jesus Calls His First Disciples

5 One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret, the people were crowding around him and listening to the word of God. ² He saw at the water’s edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who 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 from shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat.

⁴ When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.”

⁵ Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.”

⁶ When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began 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 full that they began to sink.

⁸ When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” ⁹ For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, ¹⁰ and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon’s partners.

Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.” ¹¹ So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.

How astounding is this miraculous catch!  Certainly enough to move Peter and companions to leave their fishing business and follow Jesus. Jesus encourages them with his familiar "Don't be afraid."

We are welcoming our students at Central Catholic this week and are asking all to "put out into the deep." We do not know what lies ahead for us, but we trust that Jesus does and will be with us throughout our "catch."  Let us put our fears and unnecessary worries aside and be ready "to do whatever he tells us", as Mary told the servants at the wedding feast at Cana.  

Bro. Rene

Dear Jesus, you show us time and time again that we have nothing to fear. Be with us today and always; teach us to be fearless and  to trust in you without reservation. Amen