27. A Big Catch

The report about him went out into all Syria. They brought to him all who were sick, afflicted with various diseases and torments, possessed with demons, epileptics, and paralytics; and he healed them. Great multitudes from Galilee, Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea and from beyond the Jordan followed him.

He spoke to his disciples that a little boat should stay near him because of the crowd, so that they wouldn’t press on him. For he had healed many, so that as many as had diseases pressed on him that they might touch him. The unclean spirits, whenever they saw him, fell down before him, and cried, “You are the Son of God!” He sternly warned them that they should not make him known.

One day, when people gathered to hear the word of God, Jesus was standing by the sea of Galilee. He saw two boats on the edge of the water, but the fishermen had left them, and were washing their nets. He entered into Simon’s boat, and asked him to put out a little from the land. He sat down and taught the multitudes from the boat. When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into the deep, and let down your nets for a catch.”

Simon answered him, “Master, we worked all night, and took nothing; but at your word I will let down the net.” When they had done this, they caught a great multitude of fish, and their net was breaking. They signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. They filled both boats to the point of sinking. Simon Peter, when he saw it, fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, Lord.” For he was amazed, and all who were with him, at the amount of fish they had caught; and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon.

Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid. From now on you’ll be catching people.”

Reflection

Peter, Andrew, James and John made their living by fishing. A huge catch of fish like this was an unexpected bounty Peter felt unworthy to receive. Would you have reacted similarly in Peter’s position? When something unexpectedly wonderful happens in your life, are you more likely to feel grateful or anxious?

Prayer: Don’t let my guilt and feelings of unworthiness, Lord, keep me from experiencing your gracious gifts.