In today’s gospel, Jesus had taught the crowds from Peter’s boat. He asked him to do two things. “Put out into deep water and lower your nets.” Neither of which Peter would normally do. He must have been quite impressed by this stranger’s teaching to do either one. The Lake of Gennnesaret (also known as the Sea of Galilee) is eight miles wide and up to one hundred fifty feet deep. During the day fishing boats stayed close to the shore, for sea squalls could easily capsize these boats. Moreover, during the day fish swam as deep as they could to avoid the bright sunlight. Knowledgeable fisherman fished at night. So Peter was faced with doing something both dangerous and foolish. But after hearing Jesus’ teachings, he did. We may feel that sometimes God is leading us out to deep waters and making us look foolish. May his words of reassurance comfort the fact that he has shared his very self with us and give us confidence to trust him.
God calls each of us to greatness. We may not feel worthy of such a calling, but this is natural. We hear in all three readings today that Isaiah, Paul, and Simon Peter felt unworthy when they were called by the Lord. Jesus calls each of us to discipleship as well. Let us reflect on how we are called to be a disciple and pray for the courage and confidence to follow him. He calls us in many ways to carry out his mission. May he inflame our hearts and our will to listen and follow.
Love, Peace, Joy,
Fr. Bob
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