Put out into deep water

 Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C - 6th February 2022

Gospel Luke 5: 1–11

Jesus was standing one day by the Lake of Gennesaret, with the crowd pressing round him listening to the word of God, when he caught sight of two boats close to the bank. The fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. He got into one of the boats – it was Simon’s – and asked him to put out a little from the shore. Then he sat down and taught the crowds from the boat. When he had finished speaking he said to Simon, ‘Put out into deep water and pay out your nets for a catch’. ‘Master,’ Simon replied, ‘we worked hard all night long and caught nothing, but if you say so,

I will pay out the nets.’ And when they had done this they netted such a huge number of fish that their nets began to tear, so they signalled to their companions in the other boat to come and help them; when these came, they filled the two boats to sinking point. When Simon Peter saw this he fell at the knees of Jesus saying, ‘Leave me, Lord; I am a sinful man’. For he and all his companions were completely overcome by the catch they had made; so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were Simon’s partners. But Jesus said to Simon, ‘Do not be afraid; from now on it is men and women you will catch’. Then, bringing their boats back to land, they left everything and followed him.

Gospel Reflection from St Beuno's Outreach

I open my heart and mind to the Lord’s loving presence with me as I settle down to pray.

As I slowly immerse myself in the text, it may help to be at the edge of the lake, watching closely as Jesus approaches the fishermen.

What do I notice about Jesus that engenders such trust in them? – that overcomes any reluctance or scepticism I might initially see in their faces? What do I see in their reactions as they struggle to load the catch – incredulity, awe, wonder, perhaps even fear ...?

Maybe I can identify with Peter, overwhelmed by the bounty that has come from trus ng in Jesus. Do I share his sense of not being worthy of the gifts I have been given?

As I hear Jesus tell Peter, James and John not to be afraid of the task they will now take on, what does that mean for me?

When I feel ready, I speak to the Lord, asking him to give me the grace to follow him and leave behind what might keep me from him.

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