Gospel: Luke 5: 1-11
The story of Peter fishing is a parable on his - and our own - spiritual lives. Peter spends all night fishing and catching nothing - an entire block of time in complete darkness, relying on our own lights, and coming up empty. At dawn we encounter Jesus who suggests to us a different approach. We are exasperated and tired; we are skeptical of the advice. But because it comes from God, from a place of generosity and love, we try it. And we succeed beyond anything we have ever accomplished previously. The light of faith enables us to do so much more.
This encounter with the Lord prompts two simultaneous impulses: thanksgiving and remembrance of our lack of faith. The gratitude enables us to see ourselves as we are: creatures utterly dependent on God. Our sorrow for our lack of faith inspires us to continually do better in our lives, to walk more faithfully with the Lord each and every day. These two movements of the heart are at the core of authentic faith.
Peter's entire life is encapsulated in this fishing scene. How often have we seen him have great success when guided by the light of the Lord Jesus, and how often have we seen Peter have great failures relying on lights of human invention. Yet Peter continues to persevere and follow the Lord. Our life is encapsulated in Peter's - the successes, the failures, and hopefully perseverance in following the Lord.
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