Gospel 

Luke 5:1-11

While the crowd was pressing in on Jesus and listening to the word of God, he was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret. He saw two boats there alongside the lake; the fishermen had disembarked and were washing their nets. Getting 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. After he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into deep water and lower your nets for a catch." Simon said in reply, "Master, we have worked hard all night and have caught nothing, but at your command I will lower the nets." When they had done this, they caught a great number of fish and their nets were tearing. They signaled to their partners in the other boat to come to help them. They came and filled both boats so that the boats were in danger of sinking. When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at the knees of Jesus and said, "Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man." For astonishment at the catch of fish they had made seized him and all those with him, and 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." When they brought their boats to the shore, they left everything and followed him.

Sermon

My brothers and sisters in Christ, today's Gospel passage presents us with a pivotal moment in the life of Simon Peter, one of Jesus' closest disciples. Jesus is teaching the crowds by the Lake of Gennesaret, and Simon's boat becomes a makeshift pulpit. After finishing his sermon, Jesus instructs Simon to put out into deep water and lower his nets for a catch.

Despite initial skepticism, Simon obeys Jesus' command, and the result is a miraculous catch of fish. The nets are overflowing, and the boats are in danger of sinking. Simon Peter is overwhelmed with astonishment and a sense of unworthiness, falling to his knees and saying, "Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man."

Jesus' response is remarkable. Instead of rebuking Simon for his sinfulness, he says, "Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men." Jesus is calling Simon to a new vocation, one that will require him to leave behind his old life and follow him.

This passage challenges us to consider our own response to Jesus' call. Are we willing to leave behind our old ways and follow him, even when it's uncertain or uncomfortable? Or do we cling to our own plans and desires?

May we be open to Jesus' call, and may we trust in his promise to guide us. May we be willing to take risks and step out into the deep, trusting that he will provide for us.

Prayer

Let us pray: + In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Almighty, merciful, and loving God, we come before you, reflecting on the call of Jesus to Simon Peter and the disciples. We ask for the courage to leave behind our old ways and follow you, even when it's uncertain or uncomfortable.

Forgive us for clinging to our own plans and desires, and for being afraid to take risks and step out into the deep.

Help us to trust in your promise to guide us, and to believe that you will provide for us.

As we consider our own response to Jesus' call, give us the wisdom to discern your will for our lives.

May we be open to your call, and may we be willing to follow you wherever you lead us.

We pray for the grace to obey your commands, even when they seem impossible or impractical.

May we be filled with a sense of wonder and awe at the miraculous works you do in our lives, and may we always remember that you are the one who provides for us.

In Jesus' most holy name we pray, Amen.

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.Amen.

Peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you,

Rev. Fr. Jhimerson Maneclang,SCJ