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.

Lectio Divina
READ: Isaiah recalls his first answer to God’s call: “Here I am. Send me!” St. Paul, thanks God that he too, despite his sins, was called by Christ, to be an apostle. Simon Peter, despite his own sins, receives Christ’s call, and follows.
REFLECT: Jesus can call any disciples he likes. Surely he could do better than us! But he called Simon, even though  he  knew  he   was “a sinful man.” He did not demand that Simon become a better man before he was qualified to follow. Jesus welcomed and called him just as he was. It was the same for Paul. It is the same for us. We just have to over­ come our fears and accept the invitation. God’s grace can make up for whatever we are lacking.
PRAY: Lord, we know we are unworthy servants; but by your grace you can purify our hearts and use us to ac­ complish your will.
ACT: If Jesus found us at the water’s  edge,  would we rather he passed us by? If God asked, “Who shall I send?” would we answer, “Here I am. Send me?” What fears might prevent us?

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