Put Out into Deep Waters

Put Out into Deep Waters

September 6, 2012

Thursday of the Twenty-second Week in Ordinary Time

Let no one deceive himself.  If anyone among you considers himself wise in this age,
let him become a fool, so as to become wise.  For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in the eyes of God.  1 Corinthians 3:18-19

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.  Luke 5:4-7

Piety

Father, help us to recognize the value of humility.  We do not "know-it-all" even though we sometimes behave as if we did.  Help us to recognize the foolishness of our worldly ways and return to the mission you want us to accomplish.  Amen.

Study

We all have unexpected turns in our lives.  Simon probably thought that he would be a fisherman his entire life.  Then, one day, he set out to catch fish but was interrupted by this itinerant preacher on the shores of the Lake of Gennesaret.  Simon had no clue what was in store for him. 

Jesus was there, however, with a purpose.  He would use the events of this day to set the wheels in motion to bring Simon Peter into his group of followers -- a move that results in establishing the roots of the church today.   To get to that end, Simon had to do a few things that took him out of his comfort zone. 

Follow Instructions that don't seem wise:  After a day of unsuccessful fishing, he had to follow the instructions given by Jesus despite his experience. 

Confess his Doubts:  After Simon Peter was so successful in the fishing expedition, he  humbled himself before Jesus because of any doubts he had harbored.

Seek Assistance:  Because of the abundant success, he also had to seek assistance from others for the work he was accomplishing and would accomplish in the future.

Action

When did something you set out to do not result in the outcome you expected?  How did the Lord have a hand in helping you through that situation?

Many times we might want to take the easy way out.  Some sailors might call that strategy "hugging the shore."  However, we have to put out into deeper waters where we might not be able to see the land.  Only then when we rely on faith, can we experience true success.