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<h3>"Put Out Into Deep Water...."</h3>
Feb
4
Written by:
Sunday, February 04, 2007
5th Sunday Ordinary Time
February 4, 2007
"Put your nets out into deep water." Christ spoke these words to four very tired fishermen (Luke 5:1-11). Then, as now, the best fishing on the Sea of Galilee was during the night when the fish are closer to the surface. But this time, Peter, Andrew James and John had fished all night, and caught .....nothing.
When a life-changing moment arrives in our lives, it often comes without warning. Jesus had spotted Peter, Andrew, James and John in their boats early in the morning, coming ashore after their fruitless night. As a follower of John the Baptist, Andrew had already told Peter about Jesus. Now Jesus comes over to their boat and asks if he can use it. The Son of God climbed into the poor boat of these depressed fishermen!
Jesus knew why they had such long faces – and he said, "Put out into deep water and you will catch something!" And now we come to that life-changing moment. Will Peter trust Jesus? Everything hangs in the balance of this one moment, this one decision! His whole life was a preparation for this. Peter knew that they had worked the area over all night and caught –nothing. Peter points this out to the Lord, but then, decides to take the risk, and of course, the catch is so large that it almost sinks the boat.
"Put out into deep water." Is it possible that the Lord may be asking you to take a risk? It can sometimes seem easier to stay safe in the harbor and never put our small boat at risk, but ultimately, if the boat doesn't move the bottom will rust out. Christ periodically invites all of us to "put into deep water," to take a few risks so our faith will grow. Perhaps the whole future depends on just one such decision!
Some at Saint Ed's are being called to take a risk and sign up for 6 weeks in a small faith sharing group for Lent. It may be a life-changing experience, but first we have to leave our little harbor once a week. Christ also will periodically invite us to go deeper in prayer, or to take our Sunday Mass obligation more seriously, or else to embark on a Bible-reading program. He may call others to return to confession or get involved with Interfaith Hospitality. What ways might Christ be calling you and your family to prepare to "put into deep waters."
Father Gary
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