The fishermen are deep in their thoughts since they have caught nothing on the previous night. Their silence is broken when Jesus asks to use Peter’s boat so he can preach to the crowd that has gathered on the shore. It is a tedious task to wash heavy nets, especially when these nets have failed to haul in any catch of fish.

But Jesus surprises Simon when, after teaching, he instructs him and his companions, “Put out into deep water and lower your nets for a catch” (v 4). Simon initially resists, and he explains to Jesus how they have worked hard the previous night but have caught nothing. But he eventually relents, saying, “But at your command, I will lower the nets” (v 5).

The big catch of fish touches Simon to the core of his being, and he is moved to recognize his own sinfulness. He also feels unequal to the task that Jesus presents to him, “From now on you will be catching men” (v 10). Peter feels inadequate as he stands before Jesus.

Peter has his share of imperfections and actual failures. But it is by the strength that comes from Jesus that Peter is able to respond to Jesus’ invitation and later manages to rise up after falling in discipleship.

First Reading • Col 1:9-14

Brothers and sisters: From the day we heard about you, we do not cease praying for you and asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of God’s will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, so as to be fully pleasing, in every good work bearing fruit and growing in the knowledge of God, strengthened with every power, in accord with his glorious might, for all endurance and patience, with joy giving thanks to the Father, who has made you fit to share in the inheritance of the holy ones in light.

He delivered us from the power of darkness and transferred us to the Kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

Responsorial Psalm • Ps 98 “The Lord has made known his salvation.”

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 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.

Source: “365 Days with the Lord 2025,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.