I find solace in the familiar rhythm of the shoreline, the gentle lapping of waves against the sand. Easy.
When I ponder the Gospel reading for the coming Sunday, Luke 4: 1-11, it directly challenges me to leave the shoreline and go into the deep water. Into that dark blue water with the hard to spot rips, waves which churn you over and dump you and the ever-present possibility of being hit by a wayward body board. Not easy.
The shoreline represents the familiar– a place of comfort and security. But the deep water, beckoning with its dark, mysterious depths, symbolises the unknown, the uncertain.
The scene unfolds: Jesus, preaching from Simon Peter’s boat, while the weary fishermen mend their nets after a fruitless night. Disappointment hangs heavy in the air.”
Jesus, preaching from Simon Peter’s boat, while the weary fishermen mend their nets after a fruitless night. Disappointment hangs heavy in the air.
The narrative arch stretches from reluctance, taking action, working together, true humility, acknowledgment of fear and outward-bound discipleship.
Simon Peter, the strong, experienced fisherman has worked hard all night and was understandably disinterested in what Jesus asked him to do. Eventually he gives in and reluctantly takes the first step; he gets back into the boat, with the newly mended nets, and moves into the deeper water. The image of deep-water hints at danger, uncertainty and vulnerability.
I often wonder if Peter had listened closely to Jesus’ preaching from his boat and had been quite moved. His actions suggest that there something he heard which made him respond to Jesus’ request to move into deeper water.
I know Peter’s reluctance.
Then the miracle occurs in the place of uncertainty and doubt. Peter’s nets are filled to bursting and he needs his friends and companions to help haul in the catch. “There were so many fish that the nets were at breaking point”. The boats strained under the weight of the haul. It was an outrageously generous miracle.
Peter’s response is sudden and strange: he falls to his knees in fear, humble deference and admits he is a sinner. I’m drawn into Peter’s humanity, honesty and humility. My rugged friend and fisherman knows Jesus is Lord and he is undone. Simon’s transformation begins. Jesus knows instinctively that Simon Peter is afraid. Fear is often a prerequisite for change. We hear the recurring narrative of other reluctant disciples – Who? Me? How? Now? For this?
The conclusion is clear. Simon Peter is a disciple, and his companions recognise their friend’s transformation. Immediately they leave everything and follow Jesus. And Jesus delivers that heartening line, ‘Don’t be afraid! From now on you’ll be fishing for people.’
Luke crafts this moving story with deep understanding of human emotions and psychology. He delves into the spirituality reality of reluctance, uncertainty and fear. But most importantly he shares with us the profound moment of encounter between Jessus and Simon.
Although I find solace in the familiar rhythm of the shoreline, the gentle lapping of waves against the sand it’s time to leave, and venture into the deep.
by Virginia Ryan