We Are Being Called

 


The painting above is Jacopo Bassano's The Miraculous Draught of Fishes (1545), his bringing to life the story told in Luke 5:1-11.  

Very early in his ministry, Jesus is being followed by a large crowd of people eager to heart the word of God.  While he is standing by the lakeshore the people press in on him so much that he climbs into  one of the fishing boats there by the shore, which is empty because the fishermen are cleaning their nets at the end of their shift.  This particular boat belongs to Simon.  Jesus beckons Simon and asks him to maneuver the boat away from the shore.  Jesus then sits down and teaches from the boat. 

When he is finished he turns again to Simon, and directs him: "Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch."  The fisherman protests that he and his colleagues have been fishing all night and caught nothing; nevertheless, he will do as Jesus asks.  Into the "deeper water" they go.  Simon and his fishing partner (Likely brother Andrew) catch so many fish that their nets begin to break!   They signal their companions in the other boat, James and John, to join them in the deeper waters and help receive the catch.  Bassano's painting captures an overwhelmed Simon (now referred to as "Simon Peter") kneeling before Jesus exclaiming, "Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man." Jesus, however, does not leave,  instead directing Simon not to be afraid, for from now on he and his colleagues will be "catching people."  When the fishermen come to shore, "they left everything and followed him."

In Luke's gospel, this is the calling of Jesus' first disciples.  Notice that at the beginning he is preaching the Word to everyone who wants to listen.  But then he calls Simon in a very particular way, asking him to serve and take risks on behalf of the good news.

(1)  Every week we hear the Word of God preached.  But what comes next?  How does God's Word speak specifically to you?   And how do you respond as a disciple?

(2)  Jesus calls Simon to venture into the "deeper water."  How will you and I explore the "deeper waters" of faith?  What kinds of questions do you have that will require deeper study and exploration?  In what ways do you think Jesus might be calling you to new experiences of serving him?

(3)  Simon Peter confesses his sin, but that in no way disqualifies him in Jesus' eyes.  Jesus will now teach him to employ his skills in a new venture.  Let's think about that.  How does Jesu take talents we already have and show us how to use them in new ways, so that we can glorify God?  

At this point in the Confirmation journey, we are entering deeper waters of growth and discipleship.  With the two of you, this is a great blessing!!

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