July 24, 2025
Fishing for Men - Part 4
Luke 5:8-10
07/24/2025
8 But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at
Jesus' knees, saying, ``Depart from me, for I am a
sinful man, O Lord.''
9 For he and all who were with him were astonished
at the catch of fish that they had taken,
10 and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee,
who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to
Simon, ``Do not be afraid; from now on you will be
catching men.'' (ESV)
Simon Peter, along with his partners, James and John, had
just witnessed the power of Jesus' words. By giving these
professional fishermen an unexpected catch, so large that two
boats began to sink because of the large number of fish, Jesus
showed His power over nature.
But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus'
knees, saying, ``Depart from me, for I am a sinful man,
O Lord.'' For he and all who were with him were
astonished at the catch of fish that they had taken,
and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who
were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon,
``Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching
men.''
Many Sundays, in the liturgy of the Church, we quote the
words of Saint John, one of the men who witnessed this miracle.
``If we confess our sins, [God] is faithful and just to forgive
us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.''[1] So
it was with Simon Peter. ``Do not be afraid,'' is our Lord's
declaration that Simon's sins were forgiven, that he did not need
to fear because he was in the presence of the Son of God.
Not only was Simon Peter forgiven, but Jesus invited him to
proclaim the good news of salvation. Peter, who used to catch
fish, would now catch people and bring them into the Church.
May our Lord give us the ability to tell others of the
Gospel, to bring them the peace of knowing their sins are
forgiven for the sake of Jesus Christ. Amen.