Gospel Reflection for Sunday, February 9, 2025

Row Out Into the Deep

Dear brothers and sisters, peace and blessings.

I have to admit, I feel a little envious when I read that «the people crowded around Jesus to hear the Word of God.» In other times, that used to happen in our churches too. Here in Russia, where I work, people don’t usually crowd in—except maybe on Christmas and Easter night. I guess we don’t have Jesus’ charisma. But, of course, that doesn’t stop us from giving ourselves fully to the mission.

What we can relate to is how the prophet Isaiah felt: «Woe to me! I am lost!» That feeling often comes up when we encounter the Lord because we realize we’re not worthy of such a gift. Especially when we’ve promised ourselves over and over again to be better, to stop sinning, and yet we keep failing. We repeat the same mistakes, time and time again. The temptation to give up starts creeping in. «Why keep trying if nothing changes?»

Maybe the problem is that we want to do everything on our own, without letting God step in. We need to let the angel purify our lips—and our hearts along with them. Then, everything changes. We begin to see life differently, and we can accept the mission the Lord entrusts to us. And we know the harvest is great. «Whom shall I send?» Once we realize that God accepts us, unconditionally, despite everything, we can offer ourselves to be sent—wherever we are needed—so that others may also know. Because it is needed, now more than ever.

This is what Saint Paul felt, without a doubt—«by the grace of God»—which allowed him to become who he was. In the second reading, the Apostle to the Gentiles gives us a great summary of our faith before thanking God for allowing him to change his life—from persecutor to apostle—without any merit of his own.

Paul takes seriously the task of explaining the foundation of our faith. It seems that today, many people are like the Corinthians in Paul’s time. Believing in everything the Holy Mother Church teaches doesn’t sit well with them. Instead of resurrection, some believe in reincarnation. The Ten Commandments seem like too many. Some things the Holy Father says sound «old-fashioned.» They pick and choose what they accept from Church teachings. A «made-to-order» faith, like in restaurants. Just like almost everything in modern life.

Maybe the issue is a lack of catechesis, a lack of preparation. And a lack of deep experiences. Faith doesn’t happen suddenly—just as Paul didn’t suddenly become an apostle, and the Corinthians didn’t become Christians overnight. There has to be a gradual journey, rooted in Scripture and Tradition, guided by the Holy Spirit. Saint Paul shares his experience so that we, too, can personally read the Word, listen to it in our community celebrations, and actively participate in the Church. This way, the Spirit slowly fills us and leads us forward.

In this way, we—Christians of the 21st century—can live our faith. Maybe not exactly as the Corinthians did, but in a similar way. As true disciples of the Lord, in our daily lives. Fully committed to the Kingdom. Like Jesus.

That same Jesus, in today’s Gospel, leaves Nazareth—where he had been in the synagogue—and returns to the Lake of Gennesaret. We see that he is looking for companions for his mission. First to be with him, and later, of course, to continue the work once he is no longer physically present in this world.

Before calling those he considered suitable, Jesus couldn’t help but preach to the people standing by the lakeshore. His mission constantly moved him to speak about his Father, in season and out of season. Just like today, when Jesus approaches us in the middle of our everyday lives, wherever we may be.

It’s interesting to see how Christ speaks to Peter and his companions. Experts say that the best fishing happens at night. If they hadn’t caught anything, they were probably in a bad mood. And then, a carpenter comes along to tell them what to do! Peter could have easily said, «Stick to your trade, carpenter.» But something about Jesus must have caught his attention. Maybe he had heard him speak to the crowds, and he had already begun to sense that there was something special about this man. So he listened to him. And it was worth it.

Peter’s reaction to the miraculous catch says it all. Simon realizes he is not worthy to be near the One who can do such wonders. Just like the prophet in the first reading. But this time, there is no angel to purify him—it is Jesus himself who tells him, «Do not be afraid.» The encounter with Christ changes his life. From that moment on, he becomes a «fisher of men,» along with his brother Andrew, and with James and John. The group of Disciples begins to take shape. They will follow Jesus everywhere, doing what he did and continuing his work.

It’s beautiful to know that each of us has an appointment with God. Not all of us have had a sudden, striking revelation of God. But even in the simplicity of prayer, in the quiet of our hearts, we can encounter Him. How amazing it is to think that I can have an audience with God whenever I want! That at any moment, if I step away in prayer, He is there, waiting for me and listening to me. These readings remind us of this: that every person has a personal revelation of God within their own heart.

Sometimes, like Isaiah, Paul, and Peter, we may think, «Lord, I am a sinner!» But that doesn’t matter. God doesn’t delight in humiliating us for our sins. He knows that, on our own, we could never claim friendship with Him, much less work alongside Him. And so, He awakens this sense of humility in us and calls us Himself: «Do not be afraid; from now on, you will be fishers of men.»

And if you think you can’t preach the Gospel because «it’s not for everyone,» there’s always something you can do. Peter offered his boat to the Master; maybe you can offer your talents, your car, your time—as a sign that you want to live differently, forgetting about yourself, caring for others, helping those in need. Not just materially, but in every way. Because faith in Jesus means listening to His voice, rather than the voices around you that tell you to focus only on yourself, to be selfish, to stay within your own walls.

It’s about showing who or what truly rules your life—the wisdom of the world or the wisdom of the Gospel. It’s not about radically changing your life—unless you’re a hitman or a bank robber; in that case, yes, change immediately!—but about living with a mission: Jesus’ mission. It can feel overwhelming. But remember, we have the words of Scripture: «Do not be afraid,» God tells Isaiah. «Your lips are purified, and all is forgiven.» He tells Paul, despite his past, and makes him one of His greatest collaborators. And He tells each of us—He tells you.

«Row out into the deep.» Try to live this way. Do it out of love. Seeking to bring joy and life to all our brothers and sisters. Just like Jesus.

Your brother in faith,