The Call of Simon the Fisherman Lk 5:1-11 1While the crowd was pressing in on Jesus and listening to the word of God, he was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret. 2He saw two boats there alongside the lake; the fishermen had disembarked and were washing their nets. 3Getting 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. 4After he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water and lower your nets for a catch.” 5Simon said in reply, “Master, we have worked hard all night and have caught nothing, but at your command I will lower the nets.” 6When they had done this, they caught a great number of fish and their nets were tearing. 7They 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. 8When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at the knees of Jesus and said, “Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man.” 9For astonishment at the catch of fish they had made seized him and all those with him, 10and 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.” 11When they brought their boats to the shore, they left everything and followed him. Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man. Simon has heard Jesus preach and seen his healing power at work. And now the carpenter surprises the fisherman with a bountiful catch! No wonder Simon reacts as he does in this passage. Jesus comes not for the strong but the weak, not for the healthy but for the sick. He is here to save sinners and all who humbly accept their need for God’s healing love. The person who recognizes his sinfulness is called by Jesus to help him with his mission for the Father. Paul, in the First Reading, discusses the hierarchy of relationships in the Church: God sends Jesus, who spreads his message of salvation to people, among whom leaders of the Church arise. These leaders are Servant-Leaders, helping Jesus in his mission. They serve and guide the members. God who sent Jesus created the earth and all it holds, the world and those who dwell in it (cf Ps 24:1).
Posted on: Thu, 04 Sep 2014 07:31:02 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015