By Susan Naylor, World Church Secretary

…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 burst…. Then Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching people.”1 When they had brought their boats to shore, they left everything and followed him.

There is a story I’ve been told of a two-year-old and many other reunion attendees playing on the sands at a lake shore. All were enjoying the beautiful afternoon, but it only took one big wave to carry that tiny two-year-old into the deep. Without a word, her father and another man in the crowd, all wearing formal suit pants, raced into the water and, each grabbing an arm, pulled her from the deep.

Now, that isn’t exactly Luke’s Gospel story of Into the Deep Water. But it is about the transformative moment from an ordinary play time to being caught up in transformative love and care for that two-year-old. Jesus takes the ordinary—the fishing boat turned pulpit, the seemingly lackluster lake—and provides a miraculous haul of fish. This scripture reflects the transformative encounter between Jesus and Simon Peter.

Overwhelmed by the magnitude of the miracle and recognizing the presence of divine power, Simon falls to his knees, acknowledging his unworthiness in the presence of the Lord. It’s a moment of profound humility and recognition of divine holiness in contrast to his human failings.

However, Jesus’ response is not condemnation but reassurance and invitation. He tells Simon not to be afraid, for he will be catching people from now on. The passage concludes with a profound act of commitment. Simon and his partners James and John immediately leave everything behind—boats, livelihoods, security—to follow Jesus. It’s a radical response to an unusual encounter, demonstrating their willingness to leave the ordinary and familiar for the unknown, to embrace the call of discipleship.

Today, like the two-year-old fished out of the lake (who, by the way, was me) and Simon Peter’s transformative experience, there are those unexplainable moments when we are called to act radically, to go out into the deep when it just doesn’t make sense. We are called not just to believe but to follow, to leave behind our old ways and embrace a new life with Jesus.

Prayer Phrase

“We love because God first loved us” (1 John 4:19).

Spiritual Practice

Sea of Light

Quiet and center yourself. Ask for God’s healing and guidance as you enter this time of prayerful presence. Close your eyes, breathing deeply and calmly. Imagine you are floating in a beautiful sea of light that rises and falls with each cycle of your breath. The golden light of this sea buoys you up, so you float effortlessly. Waves of light carry and wash over you, bringing wholeness and peace. Rest in the sea of God’s love; then offer a prayer of gratitude.

Today’s Prayer for Peace

Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.