Scripture:
Reflection:
…They left everything and followed Him…
A fishing story! A faith story! What a gift for these days of Indian Summer 2025, as we transition from summertime to the experience, the beauty of Fall.
The crowds were pressing in on Jesus to listen to Him, and He escaped to a nearby fishing boat on the Lake of Gennesaret — at first to better teach the eager, receptive, and large crowd. The scene in the boat changed when Jesus directed Peter to put out into the deep waters and lower the fishing nets for a catch… Peter protested, as his crew had been fishing all night and had caught nothing.
Even though we might not be fisherfolk ourselves, we can sympathize with Peter – the professional fisherman. He knew the waters of the lake, the best times and places for fishing; it was critical for his livelihood. Along comes Jesus the Carpenter, who tells him to go fishing in the deep water at the wrong time of the day. Peter’s initial protest, “…we’ve worked hard all night long and have caught nothing…” was immediately followed by his profession of faith in Jesus: “…if you say so, at your command I’ll lower the nets.” The result: a boatload of fish — and the call of Jesus to leave everything and follow Him as a disciple.
Truly, God’s ways are not always our ways. God’s wisdom is what makes the world go ‘round, and we best leave the running of the universe to God (with our cooperation, of course!).
Jesus invites us to be “fishers of people”, prompting our “Yes!” response to His call — despite our fears, our unworthiness and sinfulness. In our 21st Century world: How are we today responding to Jesus’ call to follow Him and live lives of real love and sacrifice? As we diligently labor these days, are we willing to follow Jesus’ request to “lower the nets” and say yes like those first disciples…even to leaving everything to follow Him? Today’s world is in serious need of healing, encouragement, and love. How can we best “share our gifts”, share our faith, and join with other disciples to “put out into the deep” of 21st Century life?
Our Prayer: Jesus, our world is so needy. We each have our gifts, our fears, our doubts – but with your grace, may we join our lives to share your Good News of God’s Love for all our sisters and brothers. Send us! Let’s go “fishing”!
Fr. John Schork, CP, serves as the Province Vocation Director and also as Local Superior of the Passionist Community of Holy Name in Houston, Texas.