A Reflection on Luke 5:1-11
5th Sunday in Ordinary Time
In this Sunday’s Gospel, Luke tells us the story of the miraculous catch of fish and the calling of Peter. We see Jesus, who has no background in fishing, instructing Peter, a fisherman, on how to catch fish. At the same time, Peter, who has no background in leading people, is called to become a “fisher of men.” This teaches us that “the things which are impossible with men are possible with God” (Matthew 19:26, Luke 18:27).
Peter and his friends, James and John, had fished all night and caught nothing. They had already washed their nets when Jesus, after teaching from Peter’s boat, told him to go into deep water and let down the nets. This command made no sense—Peter and his friends had already worked all night, and Jesus was not a fisherman. Yet Peter responded in faith: “At your command, I will lower the nets.” The result? A great number of fish, so many that their nets began to tear.
Reflecting on this Gospel, we should ask ourselves: Do we have faith in God in all circumstances? Do we follow His will? Just as Jesus called Peter, James, and John, He calls each of us to be fishers of men. No matter who we are in the Church, we are called to speak His Word, to lead, and to guide others toward His kingdom.
Yours in Christ, Vinh Nguyen