Casting a Net of Love

 "Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!" For he and all who were with him were amazed at the catch of fish that they had taken; and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. Then Jesus said to Simon, "Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching people."

We hear in Luke Chapter 5 of Jesus’ call to Peter to become a “catcher” of people.

The call of St. Peter is a powerful and beautiful moment in the Gospels, occurring at dawn after a fruitless night of fishing.  Jesus teaches from a boat to a gathered crowd.  Luke’s account focuses on Jesus' call to Simon (Peter) and his companions to become "catchers of people.”

Jesus commands Simon to lower his nets one more time.  Simon, though doubtful, obeys and witnesses a miraculous catch.  Overwhelmed, he becomes deeply aware of his own failings and inadequacies. Throughout Luke’s Gospel, God’s commands often seem impossible—Mary questions the angel, Elizabeth conceives in old age, and Jesus overcomes death.  Simon's experience follows this pattern, revealing God’s power through Christ.

Simon Peter’s humility aligns him with the many unlikely people that Jesus will welcome. When criticized for associating with tax collectors and sinners, he understands firsthand that Jesus calls not the righteous, but the outcast.  Jesus reassures him, saying, "Do not be afraid."

Jesus tells Peter, "You will be catching people," using a term that implies taking someone alive. In Christ, this signifies capturing people in God’s love and salvation. Just as fishing nets require teamwork, this new mission unites Peter and his companions in faith. The random crowd on the shore transforms into God’s people. Simon, renamed Peter, will cast a net that no longer ensnares but sets free, bringing others into the new life of Christ and the love of God.  We witness Peter casting the net of love and bringing people together in the Acts of the Apostles. 

Like Peter, let’s make a faithful commitment in 2025 in our Parish of All Saints to be disciples of Christ.  Let’s cast a wide net, catching people up in the love of God the Father.  We break bread  in the Holy Eucharist, potlucks, and community lunches.  We feed on the Word of God in our Worship and Bible Studies.  Let’s always welcome the stranger and catch people in the love of God.