The Gospel for the Fifth Sunday after Trinity is St. Luke's account of the call of the apostles (Luke 5:1-11). It points out that the first disciples were Galilean fishermen who allowed Jesus to use their boat to teach the crowds. Then it adds that these fishermen had a poor night of fishing and that Jesus guides them to a great catch. Simon Peter is amazed and frightened because of Jesus' holy power. Jesus ignores such fear and calls Peter and the others to follow Him. He promises that they will catch people for the kingdom. They accept the call and leave their fishing business to others.
The miraculous catch of fish is an amazing event in itself, but it is also a miracle that points beyond itself. It can be applied in three ways. 1) It shows us the nature and character of Jesus Christ. He is the holy Lord of creation who can work in strange and surprising ways. When He comes among us, we should honor Him, trust Him, and obey Him. 2) It shows that Christ can bless those who follow Him in both material and spiritual ways. These blessings may be as ordinary as fish and as mysterious as an awareness of divine presence and power. 3) The miracle points to Jesus' ministry of gathering people for the kingdom of God. It is a call to discipleship. Like Peter and the other fishermen, we have a vocation. We are called to follow Jesus in all things and to share in His mission of seeking people for God's kingdom. The specifics vary according to our talents. gifts, and circumstances, but all are asked to contribute to Christ's mission.
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