The life of professional fishermen does not change much. There is the repetitive flow of the seasons and the work of casting nets, repairing nets, and hauling fish. Peter, James, and John knew all the secrets of their craft. They knew where, when, and how to cast the nets. They probably had their favorite spots and time of day for fishing. All their customs tried and tested by many years of experience. They had a safe, sure family and work lifestyle.
Then one day everything changed. The change came not through their own initiative, desire or request but rather from Jesus sticking his nose in their business and life. So many people surrounded Jesus to hear his word that he had to use one of the boats as a platform or podium on the beach to be heard. He chooses Peter’s boat. Jesus just climbs into the boat and asks Peter to put out a short distance into the lake.
After preaching, Jesus tells Peter to go out into the deeper water to fish again that day. Peter knew it was the wrong time of day and the wrong place on the lake. Peter also knew that he had just used all his personal knowledge based on years of experience to fish and caught nothing. Peter also knew this would double his work with the nets for that day. We can hear the sarcasm and mocking tone in Peter’s voice when he replies to this itinerant preacher who knows nothing about fishing: OK, I know this won’t work; but because you say so, I’ll do it.
The result of their work following Jesus’ indications produces astonishment in them all. There was suddenly an abundance of life that they could never have expected or even produced with their own efforts.
Jesus is constantly sticking his nose into our life and business, calling us to go beyond our self-imposed limitations and our selfishness. These first disciples had the attitude of openness to listening and obeying – perhaps at first a bit grudgingly. A safe, secure, boring life is in repeating the same lifestyle. It comes from charting our course based on our own plans. Many times, we are good people but not the people as God sees us or wishes us to be. Todays’ Gospel is about change through listening, obeying and trusting.
Put out into deep water
Image: https://redeeminggod.com/sermons/luke/luke_5_1-11/