speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water and lower your nets for a catch.” Simon replied, “Master, we worked hard all night and
caught nothing. But if you say so, I will lower the nets.” 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:

Sometimes, the Lord comes to us in the ordinariness
of life. There is no angel, extraordinary fanfare or
blinding lights. The gospel today tells us that Simon and
his companions were caught unaware when Jesus passed by.
It is an ordinary day for them. They fish but did not catch any.
They were disappointed not to bring anything to their family
but were resigned to their lot. It happens from time to time. But
little did they know that that particular day will net them big
time. It is not that they will catch plenty of fish. They actually did.
But little did they know that they are going to be caught by the
Lord. Jesus subtly casts His net and they got entangled. Simon
Peter tries to put up a halfhearted resistance but it did not
prosper. He already knows deep down that he cannot escape no
matter what. God prevails every time He dances with people.
God is free to pursue those He anoints, and the anointed is free
to escape as much as possible. But God is the stronger one.
He will weather all resistance and prevail. And so, with an
assurance that he has nothing to fear, Simon Peter and his
companions formed the core of Jesus’ closest collaborators.

© Copyright Bible Diary 2021