First Reading: Isa 6:1-2a. 3-8; Psalm: 138. R.v. 1b; Second Reading: 1Cor 15:1-11; Gospel: Lk 5:1-11

“PUT OUT YOUR NET INTO THE DEEP”

BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP

It was Paul’s first day as a taxi driver in the busy street of Lagos. As he parked by the roadside waiting for a passenger, a young man in a hurry to catch a flight quickly hopped in. In a bid to impress his first-ever passenger as a taxi driver, Paul zoomed off immediately. Halfway into the journey of catching a flight, the passenger felt the driver was not fast enough. So, he tapped Paul’s shoulder from behind to register his concern. Almost immediately, Paul screamed, veered off the road and ran into the kerbstone by the thoroughfare. Apologetically, the passenger said: “I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to distract you. I only wanted to pass a message.” Paul answered: “I’m sorry too. It’s my first time as a taxi driver. For the last fifteen years, I drove a hearse.”

Life generally involves a series of transitions. At some stage in life, there is always a shift to something new, something different from what life used to be. Growth and maturation are self-evident in the developmental stages of the human life. As we evolve, we change schools, jobs, begin a relationship, build a family, make friends and nurture a healthy appetite to develop our talents and potentials as long as life goes on. But each of these stages in life comes with its own tensions and challenges. For we are oblivious of what each new stage will turn out to be. Uncertainties often breed tension and anxiety. But on a positive note, transitions also come with some sparks of excitement. But they are not completely devoid of tension, anxiety, fear or doubt.

Our readings of today present three characters faced with the reality of transition – Isaiah, Paul and Peter. Isaiah who was a former court official would become a prophet of God. Paul who persecuted the Church of Christ would by grace become an apostle. And Peter who was a fisherman would become fishers of men. These men did not embrace these new tasks with an emphatic ‘Yes’ and enthusiasm. They all expressed their doubts, fears and unworthiness when called by God. Isaiah acknowledged he was a man of unclean lips living in the midst of unclean people (v. 5). Paul confessed that he was the least of the apostles, unfit to be called an apostle (v. 9). And Peter, kneeling before Jesus said: “Depart from me O Lord, for I am a sinful man” (v. 8). We could feel some doubt and tension in their words as they acknowledged their unworthiness. It is similar to the tension we feel when in doubt. We often ask, “Can I do this?”

This tension and doubt surfaces at some point in our lives. When we begin a new school and are not sure if we will succeed. When we set targets for ourselves but fear we may not reach them. When we fall in love but are afraid what the relationship would turn out to be. When we are about to get married but are in doubt if our partner is the right person to spend the rest of our life with. When we are about to become parents but are anxious if we are ready for that new chapter. On the verge of our priestly ordination or religious profession but are in doubt if we can keep the promises we are about to make or cope with the life we are about to embrace. When old age begins to set in and we fear the limitations or the tension of not receiving enough attention and love that we deserve. Each phase of our lives comes with some sparks of excitement; but we cannot deny the tension, fear and doubt that are often underneath which prompts us to ask, “Can I do this?”

Surprisingly, this is the most beautiful moment of our lives. For Jesus sits on our boat in times like this asking us to accept the new challenge even as we wrestle with our tension and fears. If we paid attention, we would hear Jesus asking us to put out our nets into the deep for a catch. To attempt that new challenge with courage and belief. But sadly, we sometimes focus on our doubts and inadequacies and not on Jesus who calls us to embrace our new challenge with confidence and trust. If we kept focusing on our inadequacies and not on God who equips us; we will never try anything new or make any positive transition. 

And this leads us to the understanding that when God calls, he does not stop there but goes all the way to equip those he calls. When God called Isaiah, he equipped him with a burning coal. When Jesus called Peter, he equipped him with the words: “Do not be afraid, henceforth you will be catching men.” If we always remembered that it is God who equips, we will not let ourselves be pulled down by our own doubts and inadequacies. Many of us would have been more productive than we are today, but we allowed ourselves to be paralyzed by our own doubts and fears. Jesus knows we are deficient in many ways. Jesus knows about our troubles and fears. And this is why Jesus is always by our boat to help us especially when we feel we have failed or doubt our ability to succeed.

What is that fear, tension or doubt that cripples us from making a transition? Do not say ‘I am not good in talking’, ‘I am too shy to speak’, ‘I am unworthy to serve’ or ‘I don’t think I can make it’. Before God chose you to be priest/religious, he knew you would succeed. Before God made you a parent, he trusted in you. Before God gave you that job, he knew you had all it takes to excel. No one is worthy. But God equips us when he gives us a task. So, we must not look down on ourselves. We must do our best in everything good and shield against every negative energy that threatens our potentials to succeed. Whenever doubts try to pull us down, we should remember that Jesus sits by our boat saying to us:’ “Put out your net into the deep for a catch.” Then, we must rise up and do it anyway.

PRAYER FOR THE DAY

Lord Jesus, give us the grace and courage to trust in you and follow your lead. Amen.