Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: February 9, 2025

Date: 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Scripture Text: Luke 5:1-11

While the crowd was pressing in on Jesus and listening to the word of God, he was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret. He saw two boats there alongside the lake; the fishermen had disembarked and were washing their nets. Getting into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, he asked him to put out a short distance from the shore. Then he sat down and taught the crowds from the boat.

After he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into deep water and lower your nets for a catch." Simon said in reply, "Master, we have worked hard all night and have caught nothing, but at your command I will lower the nets." When they had done this, they caught a great number of fish, and their nets were tearing. They signaled to their partners in the other boat to come to help them. They came and filled both boats so that the boats were in danger of sinking.

When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at the knees of Jesus and said, "Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man." For astonishment at the catch of fish they had made seized him and all those with him, and likewise James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners of Simon. Jesus said to Simon, "Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men." When they brought their boats to the shore, they left everything and followed him.

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The gospel for this Sunday is recounts Jesus’ call to Simon, Andrew, James and John through a great catch of fish. Jesus uses their profession of catching fish to “catch” them as disciples.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Will I follow Jesus’ will for me even if I don’t see how it will work or make a difference?

Praying:

LORD, You promised that You will be with us always. Send your Spirit to tenderize our minds, hearts and wills so that we are more receptive to your transformative love and your invitation to follow You, to follow in your footsteps. Grant that we will become the disciples You have called us to be, laying down our doubts and fears, picking up our crosses, and following You wherever You lead us. Amen.