Today’s Gospel:  Luke 5:1-11

REFLECTION
Had fishing universities been in existence long ago, Simon Peter would have been a valedictorian. His hands were probably hardened and calloused by the constant pulling of the nets. His keen eyes were capable of reading the weather directions in the sky, and his knowledge of the movement of fish shoals possibly surpassed that of many of his colleagues. Among the fishermen along the shores of Galilee, Simon was probably one of the most efficient workmen, and it was not surprising when the Lord Jesus found and commissioned him. Yet for the new task that Jesus envisioned for him, Simon needed special training.

The stillness of the morning air was probably unbroken except for the sweet tones of the Master’s voice, and the breaking of the waves on the beach. Along the water’s edge an enthralled crowd listened to the great Teacher (who was speaking from a boat), and even Peter, who skilfully handled the floating pulpit, sat as a man in a trance. Jesus was an astonishing preacher for He knew the short cut to the consciences of His hearers. Then suddenly the sermon ended, and before Simon knew what was happening, the Speaker was ordering him to take the boat on a fishing expedition. Obviously the Lord desired to pay for the services rendered, and since no collection had been taken at the beach service, the Saviour had other methods of paying a debt. Simon was about to get his first lesson in the ways of God; he was about to discover that no man ever works for God for nothing.

Poor Simon was frowning; the entire project seemed to be a little stupid. He had been at the fishing grounds all night and had caught nothing - the fish were on vacation! Yet the Speaker had asked him to let down the nets; Simon could hardly be rude. “Master, we have toiled all the night and have taken nothing: nevertheless, at thy word, I will let down the net.” And probably beneath his breath, he told himself, “But we’ll never get a fish.” Poor Peter, his lack of faith was about to be overturned! When the Lord commanded to let down the nets, He obviously meant to catch fish, and not merely to wash the nets! All the fish in the oceans were there by His command, and the same authority could bring them to any net - if such were the Lord’s desire. God’s fishermen should have better ears than eyes. Fishing conditions may be unfavorable, but when God says “Fish” we should let down the nets.

A man is seldom as tall as when he kneels before his Maker. A self-asserting ego can be a great nuisance when the Master Potter tries to mold unyielding clay! When Peter said, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord,” he revealed he had reached the place where Christ could do something with Him.

The two boats had been brought safely to land, and the disposal of the catch probably turned the beach into an open-air market. A strange light was already shining in the eyes of the fishermen; their hearts were singing. Yet their strange exhilaration did not deprive them of sanity for it has always been the will of God that things should be done decently and in order. The imminent call to full-time service for Christ would deprive families of their means of livelihood. Some urgent adjustments would have to be made, and this would take time. If the boats were to be taken to the fishing grounds again, hired help would be necessary. Money would be needed to help the family make the necessary adjustments, and the great haul of fish seemed providential. The job was done; the farewells had been said; “Master, we are ready,” and “they forsook all and followed Jesus.” That day initiated a new era; they saw an open door, and walking through it, made history.

Today’s Reading:  1 Cor 3:18-23

PRAYER
Lord, if you want us to fish, show us where to cast the nets.  We have faith that you’ll be working with us, and we’re confident that the catch will be plenty.  In Jesus’ Name we pray.  Amen.