“And when they had done this they netted such a huge number of fish that their nets began to tear.”
~ Luke 5:6~
The miraculous catch: the nets are so heavy with fish that they break, and boats full of fish are starting to sink. This is so overwhelming for Simon Peter that he is filled with fear and wonder. He is amazed by God’s power. He is encountering Jesus, the one who can change everything. He is overcome by the sense of being in the presence of divine power.
Simon Peter’s response is to fall to his knees and beg Jesus to “Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man”. Simon Peter is aware of his sinfulness and unworthiness. This could mean something like: “Leave me, Lord, for I am a sinner! If you only knew to whom you were speaking! My spirit is dull, and my heart faint. I am a burden to all my companions and a laughingstock to those who know their trade. Leave me, a sinner!”
But Jesus assures Simon Peter: “Do not be afraid, from now on you will be catching people”. Jesus says to this discouraged Galilean fisherman: “I shall not depart from you. I know who you are. I know your past, but that is not what is important to me. I need your hands, your feet, your heart, and your very life. I have cast my nets wide, and you are my best catch”.
In our lives, too, the Lord gives us a kind of abundance that we don’t always see and expect. It is unconventional. Is there such a moment that you can identify in your own journey of faith and life? A moment when God has opened a door you never expected, offered you something unconventional to your way of thinking? A moment when God has – maybe through another – assured you of your goodness and asked you to do something new and given you newfound confidence?
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Gracious Lord,
Thank you for the abundance you bestow upon us daily.
There are times that we are oblivious to the gifts
that you want to share with us, but we thank you for them anyway.
Help us see and expect the unconventional
and live assured of your goodness, grace, and love.
Amen.
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Reflection prepared by Gillian Hugo
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Ash Wednesday
A day of reflection and prayer to mark the beginning of Lent led by the Jesuit Institute Team.
DATE: 2 March 2022
09h30 - 15h30
VENUE: Jesuit Institute, 15 Molesey Avenue, Auckland Park
COST: R350.
Bring a packed lunch. Tea/coffee will be provided.
Early bird R300 – book before 28 January 2022)
To Book: CLICK HERE
or
e-mail retreats@jesuitinstitute.org.za
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