Put Out into Deep Water

02-09-2025Weekly ReflectionFr. Augustine Acheme, VC

Put Out into Deep Water The Gospel for today (Luke 5:1-11) presents a striking moment in Simon Peter’s life- one that changes everything. After a long, fruitless night of fishing, Jesus instructs him to “Put out into deep water and lower your nets for a catch.” Initially hesitant, Peter obeys, and the result is overwhelming: a miraculous catch of fish, so abundant that the nets begin to tear. In awe and humility, Peter falls at Jesus’ knees, confessing his unworthiness. Yet, Jesus calls him beyond his self-doubt: “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.” This passage invites us to reflect on trust, obedience, and the call to deeper discipleship.

Peter’s first reaction is one of exhaustion and doubt: “Master, we have worked hard all night and have caught nothing.” How often do we feel the same? We labor in our responsibilities, relationships, and faith journeys, sometimes feeling as though our efforts yield nothing. But Jesus invites Peter and us- to go deeper. This “deep water” symbolizes faith beyond the shallow, surface-level trust we often rely on. It requires stepping out into the unknown, surrendering control, and trusting in Christ’s word even when it defies our logic.

Peter’s miraculous catch is not just about fish; it’s about transformation. Recognizing the power of Christ, Peter sees his own smallness, confessing, “Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man.” This echoes Isaiah’s reaction in today’s first reading (Isaiah 6:1-8), when he encounters God’s glory and exclaims, “Woe is me, I am doomed! For I am a man of unclean lips.” Yet, just as Isaiah is purified by the burning coal, Peter is not condemned but called. Jesus does not focus on Peter’s sinfulness but on his potential.

Paul, in the second reading (1 Corinthians 15:1-11), shares a similar realization. Once a persecutor of the Church, he acknowledges, “By the grace of God, I am what I am, and his grace to me has not been ineffective.” This theme of being called despite unworthiness is a constant reminder that God does not choose the perfect- He perfects the chosen.

The key to Peter’s transformation was his willingness to respond. Jesus’ call, “Do not be afraid,” is an invitation to a life beyond fear, beyond self-imposed limits. Peter, James, and John respond radically: “They le[ everything and followed him.” Their nets, their boats, their security- all abandoned in favor of something greater.

Today, Jesus invites us to put out into deep water. Where is He calling you to trust Him more? What areas of life require you to surrender your doubts and cast your nets again? True discipleship begins when we move past fear and allow Christ to lead us into the depths of His plan. Let us, like Peter, answer His call with courage, trusting that His grace is never ineffective.

Fr. Augustine Acheme, VC