This they did, and caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. They signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them.
They came, and they filled both boats almost to the point of sinking.
Upon seeing this, Simon Peter fell at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Leave me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!” For he and his companions were amazed at the catch they had made,
and so were Simon’s partners, James and John, Zebedee’s sons.
Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid. You will catch people from now on.” So they brought their boats to land and followed him, leaving everything.
REFLECTION:
A famous boxer suffered five straight losses so that his handlers advised him to retire. He did not listen to them and arranged another fight.
Someone agreed to coach him on the condition that he sees a psychological therapist. The therapist told him:
“You lost your recent fights not because your opponents are better. You were beaten by yourself. You are tired. You are looking for something beyond boxing.”
The boxer did win his next match but announced his retirement thereafter. Our Gospel presents Peter unable to catch fish because he hungers for a bigger catch.
He yearns to catch himself a bigger purpose—a vocation deeper than his profession.
Notably, Peter is no longer interested in fish despite the overwhelming load drawn at the command of Jesus. He is more interested in Jesus.
With Jesus, he discovered the biggest catch.