Called to Deeper Water

A Reflection on the Gospel for Sunday, February 9th, 2025:
Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

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Luke
​5.1-11

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.

Jesus 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 signalled 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 Simon Peter 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 Jesus.

Pause. Pray. Reflect.

In Luke 5:1-11, we find a moment of deep personal transformation for Simon Peter and his companions, and it’s a moment we, as women of faith, can relate to on a soul-deep level.

The scene opens with familiar feelings: exhaustion, frustration, and disappointment. After a long night of fishing, Simon and his team have caught nothing. It’s a picture of effort without reward, something many of us experience – whether in our work, relationships, or ministry. We pour our hearts into something and wonder, Is it all worth it?

Then Jesus speaks. He tells Simon to cast the nets once more, this time into deeper waters. The command doesn’t make sense – it feels futile after a night of failure. Yet, in a beautiful act of trust, Simon obeys. “But at your command, I will lower the nets.” And in that moment of obedience, something miraculous happens: The catch is so abundant that their nets almost break. They need help bringing it all in.

This is God’s invitation to us. He calls us into deeper waters – not because we’re ready or because we’ve earned it, but because He knows what lies beyond the surface. It’s easy to stay in the shallow, familiar places of our lives where we feel safe and in control. But it’s in the deep, uncertain waters that we experience His miraculous provision.

When Simon realizes what’s happening, he falls at Jesus’ feet, overcome with awe and guilt. He feels unworthy. “Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man.” But Jesus responds with grace,“Do not be afraid.” Those words are for us too. When we feel unworthy, exhausted, or afraid, Jesus doesn’t turn away. He invites us closer, calling us not to stay in our shame but to rise and follow Him.

What’s even more striking is the disciples’ response. They leave everything – their livelihoods, their security, their plans – to follow Jesus. The call to discipleship is not just a call to do something; it’s a call to surrender everything we’ve known for something greater. For many of us, this means letting go of our own ideas of control, stepping out in faith to serve, to love, and to trust that God will provide what we need.

When we say yes to God’s call – no matter how daunting – we discover that He is not asking for perfection, but for our hearts. In following Him, we find our purpose, our peace, and a deeper love than we could ever imagine. Like the disciples, when we step into deeper waters with Jesus, we find that He is faithful to bring an abundance of grace, even in our most uncertain moments.
Jesus is calling you today, sister, to go deeper, to trust Him with what feels impossible, and to follow Him without fear. He has something far greater in store than you can imagine.




​Theresa Langley

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