First Reading: 1Cor 3:18-23; Psalm: 24. R. v. 1ab; Gospel: Lk 5:1-11

OBEYING TO SUCCEED

BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP

When Jesus got into the boat of Simon Peter, he surely had a purpose for doing that. Of the two boats available, he chose to enter that of Simon Peter. Peter had toiled all night (which was the right time for fishing) and caught nothing and was now washing his nets together with the other fishermen so as to go home. After preaching to the people from Peter’s boat, Jesus asked Peter to let down his nets into the deep waters. Jesus was not ignorant of the fact that morning was the wrong time for fishing. He had a reason for telling Peter to try again during the day. Peter obeyed and the catch he made amazed him.

This miraculous and astonishing experience of a great catch of fish was quite symbolic. Jesus was about to call Peter to a great mission which was the reason why he entered his boat. So by this miracle Jesus was revealing to Peter that if he hoped on his own strength and skills, he will never be successful in the mission he was about to embrace. Peter will only be a successful missionary if he obeys the voice of the one who called him and remains true to God’s word. Just as Peter caught an amazing number of fish by obeying the command of Jesus, so will he convert a great number of souls if he remains faithful to the word of God.

Many preachers today do the work of God without cooperating with the God of the work. As a result many of them have failed because they do not follow divine directives rather they do things their own way. Only the God of the work understands how well the work should be done. We cannot talk to people about God when we do not have God. We cannot fruitfully preach the gospel if it doesn’t reflect in us. We cannot give what we do not have. Holiness infects, and so is repentance. Peter’s experience teaches us that we cannot succeed in life without God. If we allow God to take the lead in our life, the result will be amazing.

PRAYER FOR THE DAY

Lord Jesus, give us the insight to see that without you we can do nothing. Amen.