Fifth Sunday After Epiphany
February 9, 2025
Once while Jesus was standing beside the lake of Gennesaret, and the crowd was pressing in on him to hear the word of God, he saw two boats there at the shore of the lake; the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little way from the shore. Then he sat down and taught the crowds from the boat. When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch." Simon answered, "Master, we have worked all night long but have caught nothing. Yet if you say so, I will let down the nets." When they had done this, they caught so many fish that their nets were beginning to break. So, they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both boats, so that they began to sink. But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, "Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!" For he and all who were with him were amazed at the catch of fish that they had taken; and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. Then Jesus said to Simon, "Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching people." When they had brought their boats to shore, they left everything and followed him. Luke 5:1-11
Today we hear another Gospel story of calling disciples away from their nets. Before Simon Peter followed Jesus, along with James, John and Andrew, Jesus provided them with an overabundance of fish. These exhausted men, skilled fishermen, reluctantly let down their nets one last time and the nets were filled to overflowing. I imagine this amazing catch provided many months' worth of fish for their families, along with plenty of fish to sell. They are afraid at first but are compelled to leave everything behind and follow him. We too often struggle with leaving our familiar lives to follow Jesus. On all sides there is abundance, and the promise that our needs will be met and all our fears assuaged.
A Litany for the Fifth Sunday of Epiphany
Gracious Creator, source of abundance
seas team with fish, the sky is full of birds
and you surround us with every good thing.
Lord Jesus, help us to leave fear behind and follow you.
These times are fraught, and we are afraid
the threats of scarcity and lack are real
and we worry for our children's future.
Lord Jesus, help us to leave fear behind and follow you.
Yet you climbed into strangers' boats
and turned a failure into a huge catch
supplying food and comfort to all around.
Lord Jesus, help us to leave fear behind and follow you.
We struggle with our fears and our worries
yet you remind us that you are with us always.
Lord Jesus, help us to leave fear behind and follow you.
Whether the seas roar or the skies darken
you dwell with us in all our stormy places.
Lord Jesus, help us to leave fear behind and follow you.
For your love surrounds the whole world
and promises to bring abundance to all.
Lord Jesus, help us to leave fear behind and follow you. Amen.
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