Saturday, February 6, 2010

FISHERS OF MEN

WHAT’S THE POINT?

In today’s gospel, Jesus tells the fishermen, Peter, Andrew, James and John, to cast their nets into the lake. Though they had fished all evening and caught nothing, they did as he said and pulled in a haul of fish that nearly sunk their boats. This miracle convinced them that Jesus was the Christ and they left everything to follow after Him. Jesus told them they would no longer fish for fish but for men. They would be the ones to carry on the message of Christ. Thanks to their obedience, we have heard the Good News.

Painting: Raphael’s “The Miraculous Draught of Fishes,” c. 1515

When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at the knees of Jesus and said, “Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man.” (Lk 5:8).