Venturing Into Deeper Waters

I love Jacopo Bassan's The Miraculous Draught of Fishes (above), completed in 1545. It recalls the scene in the fifth chapter of Luke's gospel, when Jesus calls his first disciples. Take some time to go back and read the familiar story (Luke 5:1-11) again.
Very early in Jesus' ministry he is being follwed by a large crowd of people eager to hear God's Word. Jesus is standing on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, and the people press in on him so much that he climbs into one of the fishing boats sitting there by the shore. It is empty because the fishermen are cleaning their nets after finishing the overnight shift. This particular boat belongs to Simon. Jesus beckons him and asks him to put his boat out from the shore. There Jesus sits down and teaches the crowd from the boat.
When he is finished he turns to Simon, and directs him to "put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch." The fisherman protests that they have been fishing all night and caught nothing at all! Nevertheless, he will do as Jesus asks.
When they "let down their nets"with Jesus, Simon and his fishing partner (probably Andrew his brother) catch so many fish that their nets begin to break! They signal their companions, James and John, to join them in the deeper waters and help them to receive the catch. Bassano's painting captures an overwhelmed Simon (now called Simon Peter) kneeling before Jesus and exclaiming, "Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!" Jesus does not leave, however, telling Simon not to be afraid. "From now on you will be catching people." When the fishermen come to shore, they "leave everything and follow" Jesus.
Notice that at the beginning of the story, Jesus is preaching the word to everyone who wants to listen. But then he calls Simon in a very particular way, asking him to serve God's purposes, to risk being changed, and to be part of a new community dedicated to the good news being lived out in the world.
(1) Every week we hear the Word of God proclaimed. But what comes next? How does God's Word speak specifically to you? And how do you respond as a disciple of Jesus? Take time to go back and review our earlier post about discipleship. Is being a disiciple more than just being part of the crowd?
(2) Jesus calls Simon to venture into the "deep water." How will you and I explore the life of faith more deeply? What kinds of questions do you have that will require deeper thought and study? In what ways do you think Jesus is calling you to risk new experiences in serving him?
(3) Simon Peter confesses his sin, but that in no way disqualifies him in Jesus' eyes. Jesus will now teach him how to use skills and gifts he already has in order to reach people with the good news of God's love. How does Jesus take talents we already have snd show us how to use them to glorify God? How will your faith bring others close to Jesus?
At this point in the Confirmation Journey, we are entering "deeper waters" of growth and discipleship. This is a great blessing for all of us!