The Woman At The Well

“Put out into deep water, and lower your nets for a catch. ( Lk 5:4)

Faith is a series of conversion experiences for Peter and for us.  Peter, on the shores of Sea of Galilee, meets Jesus at his place of work, washing the nets on his boat.  Jesus asks Peter to take his boat a short way from the safety of the shore; there Jesus could speak to the crowd gathered around Jesus.  Peter listens; Peter reflects; Peter acts.  It is a human response to Jesus’ request.  Peter is open to listening, reflecting, and acting upon Jesus’ words.
Jesus, the Word, speaks to Peter and the crowd about God, his Father.  Again Pete listens; again Peter reflects.  Again Jesus request Peter, “Put out into deep water” ( Duc in Altium)   Grace from the Father has seeped into Peter’s heart.   It is going far away from the safety of the shore; it is lowering nets where no fish were found during the night of fishing.  Again Peter responds, this time with emerging faith, “…but at your command, I will lower the nets.”  Peter submits to trust in Jesus instead of relying on his own personal experience, his own efforts, his own expectations, his assumption of reality.
 Upon gathering a superabundant catch of fish, Peter recognizes his weaknesses, his personal sins, even his unworthiness. His faith is deepened by the “sign” Jesus gave him; he is confirmed in faith.  “He fell at the knees of Jesus and said, depart from me Lord, for I am a sinful man.” (Lk5:8)  I recognize” Lord” your greatness;   I recognize who you are.  I need your mercy; I need you in my sinful life. Jesus welcomes Peter’s faith.  He cannot ignore anyone who needs him.
Peter’s future actions as a fisher of men will come from his faith encounter with Christ.  His faith moves away from his own interests toward the interests of Christ.  …”they left everything and followed him.”(Lk5:11)