Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: September 5, 2024

Date: Thursday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture Text:  Luke 5:1-11

While the crowd was pressing in on Jesus and listening to the word of God, he was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret. He saw two boats there alongside the lake; the fishermen had disembarked and were washing their nets. Getting into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, he asked him to put out a short distance from the shore. Then he sat down and taught the crowds from the boat.

After he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into deep water and lower your nets for a catch." Simon said in reply, "Master, we have worked hard all night and have caught nothing, but at your command I will lower the nets." When they had done this, they caught a great number of fish, and their nets were tearing. They signaled to their partners in the other boat to come to help them. They came and filled both boats so that the boats were in danger of sinking. When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at the knees of Jesus and said, "Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man." For astonishment at the catch of fish they had made seized him and all those with him, and likewise James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners of Simon. Jesus said to Simon, "Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men." When they brought their boats to the shore, they left everything and followed him.

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The gospel for today recounts Jesus call of Simon Peter, his brother Andrew, and partners James and John. The call began by engaging Simon’s boat. After Simon hears Jesus’ teachings, Jesus asks Simon to trust Him, which he does, even though he expresses some doubt. The end result is abundance in both fish caught and in disciples won.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Do I trust in Christ when he calls me? Can I suspend my personal doubt, and do as I am asked?

Praying:

LORD, Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior, You call me to see You, to hear You, to believe You, to trust You. You call me to set down my doubts and pick up my cross and follow in your footsteps. You call me to be your disciple, trusting that You are with me. Send your Spirit to strengthen my spiritual grit, my willingness to risk for You and for your mission, to reach out to others in your name and in your service. Help me LORD, especially in my fear and doubt. Be with me, Jesus, this moment, this day, all moments, all days, now and forever. Amen.