Luke 5: 1-11
5 One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret,the people were crowding round him and listening to the word of God. 2He saw at the water’s edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets. 3He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from the shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat.4When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, ‘Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.’5 Simon answered, ‘Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.’6When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. 7 So they signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink.8When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, ‘Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!’ 9 For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, 10 and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon’s partners. Then Jesus said to Simon, ‘Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.’ 11 So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him. So often, I am overwhelmed by all the trials in life and working so hard with seemly with no results. It is when I begin not only to listen to God, but follow his command that I realize his power. After all, before Jesus left us, he gave us His Holy Spirit to guide and lead us. It is easier said than done. I am content to be so self centered that I am blinded to others’ needs around me. It is when I finally obey that I become overwhelmed with thankfulness by the power and love of my Jesus.
My Jesus, I take you so much for granted. I have become lazy in my spiritual life. I forget to rely on you for strength. I am comfortable with my blinders on to what goes on around me. I know you’re asking me to take off my blinders, face my sinfulness, and see the needs of others. But, Lord, I’m afraid. My Jesus, you are my guide, my strength my all. I place my trust in you. Amen. I am challenged to come out of Lent a freed person. Freed from all the burdens that I carry on my own that weigh me down. Please, Lord, give me the strength and courage to act on that challenge. What am I being called to leave?