Septuagesima
The Latin name of this Sunday refers to the fact
that it is about 70 days before Easter.
February 16, 2024
(Luke 5:1–11, NIV84) “One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret, with the people crowding around him and listening to the word of God, he saw at the water’s edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets. He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat. When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.” 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.” When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. So they signaled 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. When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, 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 catch men.” So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.”
In these words Luke records Jesus calling his first disciples, who were later called “Apostles”, because they were “sent out” to proclaim the Word of God and especially the Gospel of salvation.
By spending time at a lake you realize that sound carries very well over water, and in this way Jesus was able to teach many people.
Then Jesus gives instructions to Simon Peter on how to catch fish. Peter, a professional fisherman, grumbles that Jesus doesn’t seem to know what he is talking about. But Jesus’ instructions gather a great number of fish.
With Peter, we must admit we are sinful, and don’t deserve any of God’s blessings.
But Jesus invites, calls Peter with the words “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will catch men.” At this invitation Peter and three others abandon everything and follow Jesus! Just as Peter had used nets to gather fish, from this day forward he would use the Word of God to invite and gather men to follow Jesus unto eternal life.
Prayer
O God, who taught the hearts of thy faithful people by sending to them the light of thy Holy Spirit, grant to us by that same Spirit to have a right judgment in all things and always to rejoice in his holy words of comfort. This we ask through that same Jesus Christ, thy Son, our Lord. Amen.
