Amazed at the Catch – Reflection on Luke 5:1-11
Over time, Jesus’s fishermen casting nets for people has yielded over 2 billion Christians. We have had historical periods of extraordinary Christian growth in numbers, such as following the miracle of the Lady of Guatemala. In our current time, the catch may appear to be smaller. Because I am approaching seventy years old, I have my own historical and educational perspective on individual Christian growth. I am amazed at the catch of people with a deep, more voluntary, and better-informed faith. This renewed welcoming is reborn, among other reasons, from recognizing the early church. My observations include people who believe that the Word is alive and speaks to them. People are more aware of what it means to embrace the Holy Spirit and accept Christ as Savior. They are more inclined to say to the Lord, fill me with grace, forgiveness, mercy, compassion, joy, and love.
The Miraculous Draught of Fishes by James Tissot (full resolution painting)
More details are available on the Brooklyn Museum website.
Additional Ordinary Time Reflections
Luke 5:1-11 – Scripture*
Jesus Calls the First Disciples
Once while Jesus was standing beside the lake of Gennesaret, and the crowd was pressing in on him to hear the word of God, 2 he saw two boats there at the shore of the lake; the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. 3 He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little way from the shore. Then he sat down and taught the crowds from the boat. 4 When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch.” 5 Simon answered, “Master, we have worked all night long but have caught nothing. Yet if you say so, I will let down the nets.” 6 When they had done this, they caught so many fish that their nets were beginning to break. 7 So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both boats, so that they began to sink. 8 But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!” 9 For he and all who were with him were amazed at the catch of fish that they had taken; 10 and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. Then Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching people.” 11 When they had brought their boats to shore, they left everything and followed him.
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel and reading this Lectio Divina on Luke 5:1-11 Reflection – Amazed at the Catch.
Would you like to contribute related thoughts to these Lectio reflections on the Gospel readings? Since Lectio is not the only contemplative prayer style, others might appreciate these types of expressions in this ministry. Do you see God’s grandeur everywhere and unconditionally enjoy sharing the love of Christ that you have inside? Are you willing to be anonymous in what you would share? If so, email me.
Prayer for young families:
Lord, let the young families of our communities get to know your joy, peace, comfort, and love despite worldly distractions.
Attributions
*This site has permission to use the New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) Bible Luke 5 passage.
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This Lectio Reflection on Luke 5:1-11 Reflection – Amazed at the Catch is in the Lectionary season of Ordinary Time.
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