Everyone knows what it is like to want to share good news. The excitement we feel on the inside is contagious and the news bursts from our lips at every opportunity. The Season after the Epiphany calls us to spread the good news brought to us by Jesus with the same energy and excitement.
For some, this call may be difficult to embrace. The invitation to “fish for people” is layered with a negative history of forced conversions, intrusive evangelism techniques, and uncomfortable conversations with friends. The prayers, music, and ritual suggested for this week enflesh this fresh understanding of our call to share the good news.
Simon, Peter, James and John were going about doing their daily work, but then Jesus encourages them to go deep and their lives are never the same. How can you create space in the midst of the activity of daily life for people to hear anew our call to be a community of Christ?
Personal Reflection:
“[Jesus] said to Simon, ‘Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch’” (Luke 5:4).
Jesus wants to show Simon, Peter, James and John what he is doing in a way they can understand. So, Jesus instructs his fishing friends to put their nets out into deep waters and draw fish into their boat. They are amazed at the catch. Jesus says, “Do not be afraid. From now on, you will be catching people.” God’s net of love goes deep, and we are invited to join in a ministry of inclusive love.