“Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch” is a quote from Pope John Paul II that he used in a speech at World Youth Day in Czestochowa, Poland, in August 1991. The quote is based on Jesus' call of the first disciples in Luke 5. “Put out into the dep…” became a theme of the World Youth Day, which I experienced as a young man in Poland. I will never forget the enthusiasm and zeal of the Pope who preached to the thousands young men and women who gathered around the shrine of Black Madonna in Czestochowa. The Pope encouraged the youth not to be satisfied with
short-sightedness and shallow life but instead to “put out into the deep” when they plan and dream their future life. That experience with Saint John Paul II, and other youth who came to Poland from different part of the world, significantly impacted my faith and my vocation. It changed my life forever.
Today’s gospel from Luke 5 is basically a vocation story of Peter and his companions, who became the first disciples of Jesus. Jesus’ invitation to Peter was preceded with a great miracle of catching huge number of fish. According to John, who describes the same miracle in his gospel, there were 153 large fish in the two boats (John 21:11). Peter and his companions were stunned.
It was not the first time Jesus invited Peter to follow him as his disciple, but Peter always hesitated and refused. Peter’s usual excuses were his limitations and sinful life as well as his business. All the prophets and leaders in the bible used the same excuses to hesitate on God’s call. Jesus knew it very well.
This time Jesus used the language and mentality of a fisherman when he called Peter. Therefore, Jesus succeeded when he compared the call to his discipleship to fishing, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching people” (Luke 5:10). Peter left everything behind, including his own comfort zone and tainted life, and became his close disciple. The fact that Jesus convinced Peter to follow him and leave the two boats full of fish behind, it is another miracle that Jesus performed on the same day, I believe.
I imagine, the gospel assigned for today is meaningful and profound for all people not just for youth or fishermen. We are all reminded and call to leave our tainted life and comfort zone, and “put out into the deep” of our faith and relationship with God. Our life is beautiful when we aim high, and we always strive to grow. I remember and when I reflect over the days God has called me for different kinds of ministries or even to perform a small task, a good deed, I hesitated to say yes, and often I used a similar excuse as Peter.
Perhaps all of us can relate to the story and call of Peter from today’s gospel. We have our own stories, calls and our own relationship with God. Nevertheless, we are encouraged to think positively and continue our good work even when we cannot see an appreciation for it. We must never be afraid or discouraged to do good and perform our ministry God entrusted to us. God did not guarantee us prosperity or an appreciation from people for our ministry and honest life. God promised us to be with us always, even when we go through trial and difficulties.
Fr. Andrzej