The Disciples quiet refusal not to give up
[1] One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret, the people were crowding around him and listening to the word of God.
[2] He saw at the water’s edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets.
[3] He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat.
[4] When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.”
[5] Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.”
[6] When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break.
[7] So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink.
[8] When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!”
[9] For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken,
[10] and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon’s partners. Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.” (Luke 5:1-10)
••Reflections••
–Washing nets is a tedious routine work of spreading the nets and repairing holes. But it is necessary for a serious fisherman.
–Net with holes in them can’t catch fish.
–The disciples in their quiet uncertainty after a long fruitless night, were cleaning and mending their nets for another attempt.
–They didn’t choose to go back or give up after a night of disappointment.
–At the appointed time, Jesus appeared and told them to go back – To Launch into the Deep this time, and let out the PREPARED NETS for a catch.
***You have tried and failed before, don’t waste your time in the cycle of regrets….. continue preparing your nets by cleaning (removing the mud) and mending any holes (repairing your relationship with God, family and others).
***As you wait for your KAIROS moment (God’s appointed time), remember that the best way to prepare for a mighty net breaking and boat sinking catch is to prepare by CLEANING & MENDING your nets.
***When you have stayed all night and caught nothing, don’t go back – prepare for another attempt: clean your nets for any debris and mend any holes.