Ordinary Time
“Here I am Lord. Is it I Lord?
I have heard You calling through the night.
I will go Lord, if You lead me.
I will hold Your people in my heart.”
Daniel L. Schutte, “Here I Am, Lord” in The United Methodist Hymnal
So they dropped the nets and their catch was so huge that their nets were splitting. They signaled for their partners in the other boat to come and help them. They filled both boats so full that they were about to sink. When Simon Peter saw the catch, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Leave me, Lord, for I’m a sinner!” Peter and those with him were overcome with amazement because of the number of fish they caught. James and John, Zebedee’s sons, were Simon’s partners and they were amazed too.
Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid. From now on, you will be fishing for people.” As soon as they brought the boats to the shore, they left everything and followed Jesus.
Luke 5:6-11
Peter is so overwhelmed by this miracle that he begs Jesus to move away from him because of his sinful life. Jesus has used this event as a teachable moment in Peter’s life. The lesson is not the catching of fish, but rather the patience and willingness to act on faith. Jesus introduces the disciples to their new vocation, that of fishing for people and helping them to be in relationship with God.
Like the disciples in the boat, God encourages and challenges us to venture deeply in our faith. This week’s focus, “Called to More,” is not about more time or talent as witnesses. It is about stepping out with faith in the presence of Christ to bring about God’s kingdom, “on earth, as it is in heaven.” We might ask ourselves, who is God inviting us to fish, to witness to about God’s love and joy? What might happen if we answer God’s holy invitation?
Tom Baynham
Question to Ponder:
Where and how are you “called to more” for God?
Lord, continue to light my path as I seek to fulfill my desire to give you more of myself. Bless me with discernment and wisdom as I share the light and message of your word. Amen.
“To love the Lord our God is the heartbeat of our mission.
The spring from which our service overflows.
Across the street or around the world, the mission’s still the same.
Proclaim and live the Truth in Jesus’ name.”
Jon Mohr and John Randall Dennis, “The Mission”