Luke 5:1-11
Dear Friends, In today’s gospel there is a phrase that Jesus uses that is especially pregnant with meaning. When he tells Peter to try again after a futile night’s work where he failed to catch even a few fish, Jesus tells Peter, “Put out into the deep…” (Lk 5:4)
Peter follows Jesus’ command. A night of disappointment is transformed into a spectacular feast of abundance. Then, there is a total switch in gears. What had been so profoundly desired, the large catch of fish, all of a sudden, is put aside for a deeper and richer reality. “When they brought their boats ashore, they left everything and followed him.” (Lk 5:11)
What is the message for us today in this encounter between Jesus and Peter? The key is “Put out into the deep…” (Lk 5:4)
The large catch of fish is a symbol. It opens up the treasures of life that are available when we pass beyond the superficial, when we go past the cultural demands that feed a self-centered existence. This is an existence defined for us by false values of a consumer-driven society that centers on ourselves and our indulgence.
Deep personal prayer is a call to enter into life at a level that opens into the mystery of God. Deep personal prayer holds the key to God’s call in the midst of the ordinary flow of our life. This kind of prayer is a profound reflection on God’s word and our experience. This prayer seeks God’s will for us at this point in our life.
Jesus was beginning Peter’s transformation by showing him the way of faith, the way of a trusting acceptance of God’s word and will. Deep personal prayer will do the same for us as we ponder God’s word and seek God’s will in the daily experience of our relationships and responsibilities. It directs us to follow in the footsteps of Jesus just as Peter and his companions did.
In today’s gospel scene, Peter is performing his ordinary tasks, his usual responsibilities. He is a fisherman. Jesus transforms this familiar chore by inviting him to enter more deeply into the experience. He is teaching Peter, and us, that the true spirituality is not outside of life, different from our ordinary experience. We will encounter God by being more present to our life situation and all the demands and responsibilities it places on us. Deep personal prayer will bring us in touch with Jesus just as Peter was.
A call to be spiritual, to have a more meaningful experience of God, is not to move outside of life but to re-possess life at the deepest level. “Put out into the deep…” (Lk 5:4)
The Good News is that God is present to life. We are not left to our destructive inclinations and the awful games we often play. Peter recognized his brokenness in this regard. He said, “Depart from me Lord, for I am a sinful man.” (Lk 5:18)
Jesus did not abandon Peter to his sinful ways nor will he abandon us. Grace and new life are always possible, always beckoning us. Deep personal prayer where we ponder God’s word and seek God’s will guide us to the depth of life where God beckons us. Like Peter, we have to “Put out into the deep…” (Lk 5:4) We will encounter a new, gracious reality. We will see that our heart will be free to let go of all the obstacles that keep us from walking with Jesus.
