A Few Words On "The Word"

February 4, 2007
Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C

Luke 5:1-11

Divine Fishing

Fishing is a very popular pastime for many people. Heading over to the fishing hole with a tackle box, some lures, and fresh bait is all it takes for some people to relax on a calm summer day. For other people, who struggle to survive, fishing is a way of life. For them fishing isn't really a hobby to be enjoyed in relaxation on the back of a small fishing boat. Huge nets and multiple fishing lines loaded with bait enable commercial fishers to catch an abundance of fish that can then be sold. A bad day at work might mean no money to buy food for their families.

Even though many people have never been fishing, there is a general understanding of what it takes to catch fish. You need a fishing rod of some kind. This rod or pole includes a line of some type that enables the fisher to cast the baited hook or lure on the end of the line into water where fish are waiting. Though it seems quite simple, things can easily become complicated. Lines can get tangled, bait may not stay on the hook, or perhaps no fish are interested in what you're offering. However, without a rod, bait, and a lure we would have on chance of catching any fish at all.

In today's gospel we get to see experience what life is like for a professional fisher. Unlike those of us who might go fishing in a pond or lake, Peter, James, and John have boats and large nets for catching loads of fish to sell at the market. Unfortunately, things haven't been going so well for them. Despite fishing all night long they have caught absolutely nothing. Finally calling it quits they head to shore only to find Jesus waiting. What begins as a request to use a boat in order to preach to the people ends in an appeal to go fishing once again. Peter responds with some resignation, just as any of us would. Nonetheless he lowers the nets and his life is changed forever.

Though most of us will probably never be able to experience exactly what it's like to fish for a living, we are all called to be fishers of men and women just like Peter. Through our work in building God's kingdom, we encounter situations that seem totally hopeless. Often, despite our best efforts, we cannot see the fruit of our labors. Conversion for those we help seems somewhat out of reach and injustice and poverty continues.

Fortunately for us, we are merely the instruments. Jesus acts as the bait and rod that actually makes it possible to "catch" others. We may be fervent fishers who go to the water of life but without the proper equipment that Jesus provides we will catch nothing. We must remember that we can't do anything on our own and that it is not us, but Christ who inspires the conversion within people's lives. Our continual goal is to respond to the Jesus' call to fish for others, realizing that with the help of the Holy Spirit we can bring others to Christ, building the Kingdom of God while working for justice.

Reflection Question

In what ways do you continuously trust in Jesus despite believing that you may not catch a load of fish as Peter did?

What experiences have helped you realized that you can not fish without the bait Jesus provides?

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