“While the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he was standing by the lake of Gennes′aret. 

And he saw two boats by the lake, but the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. 

Getting into one of the boats, which was Simon’s, he asked him to put out a little from the land. 

And he sat down and taught the people from the boat.”
(Luke 5:1-3)  

 Luke 5:1-11

This week’s Gospel text concerns the call of the first disciples, Peter, James, and John (the sons of Zebedee). It offers various points for reflection on the calls we receive from God and how we respond to them.

There are two insights in today’s text. Firstly, we see how earnestly people yearn to hear the Word of God. Secondly, we see how Jesus meets us in the ordinary moments of our lives.

What is it about the Word of God that is so attractive? Why are people crowding around to hear it? Can you see yourself in the crowd, craning your neck for a glimpse of Jesus? His word is the word that creates us and saves us.

Jesus meets us in the ordinary moments of our lives and invites us into his service. He met Peter, James and John as they were washing their nets. He used the fishermen’s boat to reach an audience hungry for his liberating words. In what ways does Jesus meet you? Can you hear his call at home, at work, in the gym, at the mall, in the park?

Do you yearn to hear the Word of God? How has Jesus met you in your ordinary life? How has he invited you to serve him in your ordinariness? 

Reflections by Sean van Staden SJ

Loving God,
Your Word is attractive. I yearn to hear it. You meet me where I’m at and invite me into your service. 

Give me the grace of letting you into my boat.
Amen.

Visit our website