S&F-St. Peter's Faith

This weekend's Gospel is Luke's narrative on the transition of Simon Peter from fishman to Apostle.  It's a fairly familiar and simple story. The question, as always, is where do I see myself in the Peter?  What can I learn from this story?

As I reflected on the Gospel a couple of things stood out.

1. Why did Simon (not yet called Peter) throw out his nets?  He really didn't know much about this man, Jesus.  He had probably been listening to him preach for a little while, but Simon had been fishing on this area his whole life.   He was an expert.  He didn't catch anything all night.  Why would he trust this man he just met to go out one more time?

2.  Why did Jesus specify going to "Deep water?"  Isn't that an unnecessary hazard?  Couldn't Jesus had made the fish appear closer to shore?

I wish I could have been there to hear Jesus.  His teachings must have been amazing in order to make Simon Peter trust him.  But I don't need to be there to hear Jesus.  His teachings are contained in the Bible.  His voice is there in response to my prayers.  I just need to be listening.

I can't be afraid to go to the deep water in today's world.  Like Jesus would protect Simon Peter from the hazards of fishing out there, he will also protect me from any hazards that might become to me as I live in his name.

Jesus made Simon Peter a fisher of men.  Maybe its time for me to learn to fish as well.