Catholic Identity  

Gospel Reflection 

5th Sunday in Ordinary Time 

Summary 

Jesus was teaching by the lake when He stepped into Simon Peter’s boat and told him to go fishing. Peter was doubtful because they had caught nothing all night, but he obeyed. To his surprise, their nets were filled with so many fish that they needed help! Amazed, Peter felt unworthy, but Jesus told him, “Do not be afraid. From now on, you will fish for people.” Peter and his friends left everything to follow Jesus. 

Reflection 

This story shows us the power of faith and trusting Jesus, even when things seem impossible. Peter could have ignored Jesus’ instructions, but instead, he listened and experienced something amazing. Sometimes, we might doubt ourselves or feel unworthy, like Peter did, but Jesus invites us to follow Him and be part of something bigger. How can we learn to trust Jesus in difficult moments? What does it mean to “fish for people” in our own lives? 

Gospel Reading: Luke 5:1-11 

Jesus was standing one day by the Lake of Gennesaret, with the crowd pressing round him listening to the word of God, when he caught sight of two boats close to the bank. The fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. He got into one of the boats – it was Simon’s – and asked him to put out a little 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 deep water and pay out your nets for a catch.’ ‘Master,’ Simon replied, ‘we worked hard all night long and caught nothing, but if you say so, I will pay out the nets.’ And when they had done this they netted such a huge number of fish that their nets began to tear, so they signalled to their companions in the other boat to come and help them; when these came, they filled the two boats to sinking point. 

When Simon Peter saw this he fell at the knees of Jesus saying, ‘Leave me, Lord; I am a sinful man.’ For he and all his companions were completely overcome by the catch they had made; so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were Simon’s partners. But Jesus said to Simon, ‘Do not be afraid; from now on it is men you will catch.’ Then, bringing their boats back to land, they left everything and followed him. 

Prayer 

Dear Jesus, 

Thank You for calling us to follow You, just as You called Peter and his friends. Help us to trust in You, even when things seem difficult or uncertain. Give us the courage to listen to Your voice and the faith to believe in Your plans for us. Like Peter, may we be willing to leave behind our doubts and fears so that we can follow You with open hearts. 

Teach us what it means to be "fishers of people" by sharing Your love and kindness with others. Help us to see the moments in our daily lives where we can bring hope, joy, and faith to those around us. 

We ask this in Your name, Amen.  

Home Activity/Discussion Questions 

• Have you ever had to trust someone even when you weren’t sure what would happen? How did it turn out? 
• Peter felt unworthy when he realized who Jesus was. Have you ever felt like you weren’t good enough for something? How did you overcome that feeling? 
• Sometimes, we are asked to step out of our comfort zone, just like Peter was. When was a time you had to try something new or difficult? What did you learn from it? 
• Jesus invited Peter to make a difference in the world. How can we use our own gifts and talents to help others? 
• Peter had to let go of his own plans to follow Jesus. Have you ever had to change your plans for something better? How did that experience shape you?