Luke
5:1-11
“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.’”
(Luke 5:4-5
NRSV)
Life can change with the turn of a
calendar page. Simon, James, and John
had spent a miserable night fishing, catching nothing. They returned to shore to mend and clean
their nets, and most likely, share their stories of misfortune. Jesus got into Simon’s boat and told him to
move to deeper water and cast his nets again.
Simon’s response indicated a reluctance to let go of the previous day’s
experience, yet with certain resignation he did as he was told. A new day brought new opportunity, so much so
that it was hard to take it all in.
In turning the calendar page from Fat
Tuesday to Ash Wednesday, we move from our often self-centered ways to the quiet
reflection of Lent. Christ calls us to
cast our nets again and in doing so, find the immeasurable depths of God’s
grace. Weariness and cynicism make us
question the call, but faith leads us anew to God’s
provision.
Today is February 18…a new day. As you begin this Lenten journey, trust the
One who calls you to cast yourself again into the waters of repentance, finding
there mercy and grace beyond what you
deserve.
Prayer: Dear
Lord, I confess my sin before you and cast myself upon your mercy. Through
Jesus, the Christ, I pray, amen.
Jim Abernathy
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