Deep Water

…Put out into deep water and lower your nets for a catch." Simon said in reply, "Master, we have worked hard all night and have caught nothing, but at your command I will lower the nets." When they had done this, they caught a great number of fish and their nets were tearing. They signaled to their partners in the other boat to come to help them.  They came and filled both boats so that the boats were in danger of sinking. When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at the knees of Jesus and said, "Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man." For astonishment at the catch of fish they had made seized him and all those with him, and likewise James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners of Simon.   Jesus said to Simon, "Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men."  When they brought their boats to the shore, they left everything and followed him.

Most of us are afraid of deep water, especially here on Cape Cod with white sharks galore.  Stay in the shallows where we won’t be so afraid of big fish and razor sharp teeth.  Deep water is dark and below lurks all sorts of creatures we think might hurt us.  Not so, but it’s human nature to fear the dark and what it hides.

Jesus says, “Do not be afraid.”   Deep water is where our boats won’t run aground – where we won’t be dashed upon the rocks.  Deep water is where billowing sails carry us to distant lands and new people.  It’s adventure. 

For these reasons we must seek deep water and lower our nets.   The “lowering of nets” is another way of saying, “Try to love other people.  Make the attempt to reach out and help people in need of help, love and compassion.”

Jesus is our fisherman.  He tries to net us; he tries to hook us.    Because we sin, many of us try to avoid being caught.  We flee.   We need a change of heart.  Let’s jump into his boat where there are no white sharks.

Deacon David Pierce