The gospel tells us of the calling of Jesus’ first disciples. The event takes place in the context of an ordinary day on the shore of the lake of Galilee. On the shore are many people and a group of disappointed fishermen. They have been working all night but caught nothing. Jesus walks up and gets on to the boat of Simon. Was it sheer coincidence that Jesus chose Peter’s boat?
However, this was a wrong choice of a podium. It is unlikely that someone could address a crowd on the shore of the lake while staying on the boat. It has a symbolic meaning. Although not yet a disciple of Jesus, Peter allows him to use his boat as a podium and participates in the mission.
We often come across such acts of generosity from people who belong to other faiths. Many non-Christians joyfully contribute to the mission of the Church – with their time, talents and treasure.
In the end, Jesus wants Peter to “Put out to the deep and lower their nets for a catch.” Peter is willing to take a considerable risk that, if unsuccessful, he would be ridiculed by his colleagues. Human logic would suggest that he gives up, but he prefers to obey. The result is overwhelming that they had an enormous catch.
The reaction of Peter follows a pattern. In the Bible, whoever received God’s call had similar reactions: – Moses – did not know how to speak, Jeremiah was too young, Elijah was with unclean lips… examples are many. Peter falls to his knees and cries he is unworthy: “Leave me, Lord, for I am a sinful man.”
Jesus uses this symbolism of the net that catches fish to explain to his disciples what their mission is. He does not invite them to catch with fishhooks but to get the people out alive with the net. Luke recounts the episode to make it clear to the disciples of his community that their task is to be fishers of people, to save them from crashing waves, from the risk of being overwhelmed, submerged, and dragged on to the bottom.
People would die if they were left alone in the immense, deep, dark, and agitated sea of violence and hatred, war, and moral corruption.
A vital element emphasised in this symbolism of the passage is the ministry entrusted to Peter. He is the one who drives the boat to the place indicated (v.4); it is he who proclaims his faith in the power of the word of Jesus (v.5), it is he who recognises him as Lord (v.8); it is to him that the invitation to be a fisher of people is directed (v.10). All these elements indicate that Peter has a particular task to carry out – to listen attentively to the Word of the Lord and then to lead, together with the other disciples, not where their professional experience and abilities would lead to, but where the Master tells him.
For your reflection :
“Do not be afraid. The Father’s mercy is greater than your sins!”
Father Josekutty Mathew CMF
