REFLECTIONS TODAY

Fishing is one of those types of livelihood where you really are at the mercy of God. For there are times when it seems the fish are just nowhere in sight. And so we imagine fishermen really praying as they go out into the sea that God bless them with a catch. The disciples worked hard the whole night fishing but they caught nothing. What a frustrating experience it could have been! But then comes the Lord Jesus who instructs them to cast their nets into the deep, and despite their vain attempts the whole night they obey Jesus. And the miracle happens! And Simon, realizing what little faith he has, is overwhelmed by the grandeur of God’s grace. Yes, often it is during our times of weakness that God surprises us with his great power. Just when everything seems to be hopeless God comes to lift us up, even so high. In those moments we can only exclaim with Peter how undeserving we are of the great gift! Do you have an experience similar to that of Peter? Share that with others so many more can glorify God.

GOSPEL • 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.

SOURCE: “365 Days with the Lord 2021,” ST. PAULS, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; Fax 632-895-7328; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.