Thursday September 6, 2024

Luke 5:7-11

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.

I will start this reflection with an outlandish statement. I know how ridiculous it is to say something like this but the shock of it is what actually preaches. Some people find God in church. You may ask, but father where else can they find God? Don’t we all go to church for that reason?

Read the passage above again. Here is Jesus, Son of God, preaching and people pressing on him except the fishermen. They would care less what is going on. They were washing their nets. They were up in their daily grind probably talking about the biggest fish the caught. “I ain’t gonna lie, it was the biggest fish I ever saw..” Then Jesus approaches and asked to use their boats. Bet they charged him a rental fee.

Anyway, a friendship began with that request. Before you know it, they were his disciples.

You are most likely to encounter God during your daily grind when you least expect it. You may have a God experience at the grocery store, or while watching your favorite show, or at the tavern. God could be in the Great Out Doors. And it may all start with “excuse me, could I please …..”

I think God never misses an opportunity to strike a friendship with you.

Fr. Chibundi