Discipleship today presents various challenges. I am reminded of Pope Francis’s call to “go into the deep,” and our small community has strived to heed this call. There are many forms of “nets” that can guide us on different paths, and I hope that this endeavor will lead to a bountiful harvest of believers.
Soon, I will be relocating to a new place of ministry. I feel like a net in the hands of God being cast on the other side of the river, where I will face new responsibilities, live with a different community, and experience many changes. It becomes more difficult as I become statistically advanced. However, this is similar to what Jesus instructed the disciples — He showed them where to cast their nets (on the right side of the boat), and that is how they caught their fish.
I am reminded of the advice of Saint Peter Julian Eymard, who said, “Gently deliver your imagination, mind, and heart to our Lord, catching them in the nets of his holy will, and it will be done without violence or noise. Thus, the miraculous catch will take place.”
Just as Saint Peter Julian Eymard advised us to embrace God’s holy will with gentleness, we, too, are called to approach our discipleship with openness and trust. This partnership, where our efforts are complemented by divine guidance, reflects the miraculous catch that Jesus facilitated for His disciples.
In the sharing of bread and fish, we are also reminded that true spiritual nourishment and the success of our mission come not solely from our actions but from our relationship with Jesus, who sustains, moves, and encourages us.
Prayer:
Gracious Lord, we thank you for the call to discipleship and the guidance you provide as we cast our nets upon the waters. May we embrace your holy will with gentleness and trust and help us to remember that our true nourishment and success come from our relationship with You. Strengthen us with your Eucharistic presence and encourage us in our mission. May our efforts be blessed by your divine guidance, leading to a bountiful harvest of believers. Amen.
