Journey

At the Water’s Edge…

From time to time, there is a place my family likes to go where we sit, talk, and take in the scenery. Sometimes, we go together and other times one or two of us may go alone.  Whichever the case, and as familiar as the place has become, the experience is seldom the same. Instead, it is common that something new or different happens among the interactions, whether in the surroundings or in the conversation.

The other day, the flow of the water was moving in a different direction than usual. Normally, the water flows toward the land on the other side. On this day, it was flowing toward the side where I was, calling attention to the edge of the water in front of me.

At the edge of the water, lay remnants of leaves fallen from days of old. At the edge of the grass, lay remnants of leaves fallen from days of old. The image was intriguing.

While days of old, are a thing of the past, it is often from days of old, that the water flows and the grass grows. It is often from something known, that something new, different, or previously unknown comes into being. It is rarely, if at all, one or the other (old or new) exclusively, for that which stands the test of time.

Jesus walked on both land and sea. He bridged the old to the new, remaining faithful, or perhaps in modern day terms, remaining loyal to God. True to God to the very end… and from that end, a new beginning arose.

We are called to do the same, and through the grace of God and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we can.

Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning,
is now,
and ever shall be,
world without end.
Amen.

AtTheWatersEdge

The Glass Across the Way…

As I looked at the stained glass window across the hall, at first I took in its pattern and the colors in it. Then, it was interesting to notice the way the light came through it, and the way the different sections of glass distorted or hid what was on the other side. It was only at the base of the window that one could see pretty clearly, what was outside; and, I imagine, one who was outside could see in, too.

Oftentimes, situations, relationships, and interactions can be like looking through glass. They can range from those where the glass may seem impenetrable to those where the glass is transparent, with nothing to hide. Yet, even in those cases where the glass is very dark, light is still able to shine through it.

Look at Pilate, Herod, one of the criminals alongside Jesus, and the centurion (Luke 23:1-49). In the midst of all that was happening through the trial and crucifixion of Jesus, light was shed and truth was revealed to them. What did they do with it? What do we do with it?

This is what the Passion of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is all about. In all moments, even in the moments when life seems darkest or situations seem impossible, there is still light with and within us, and where there is light, there is always a way… the Way.

The more we can allow ourselves to be transparent in our relationship with God, the more we shine, and the more we shine, the better we are able to see, and live, the Way.    

EPWindow

The elders of the people, chief priests and scribes,
arose and brought Jesus before Pilate.
They brought charges against him, saying,
“We found this man misleading our people;
he opposes the payment of taxes to Caesar
and maintains that he is the Christ, a king.”
Pilate asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews?”
He said to him in reply, “You say so.”
Pilate then addressed the chief priests and the crowds,
“I find this man not guilty.”
But they were adamant and said,
“He is inciting the people with his teaching throughout all Judea,
from Galilee where he began even to here.”

On hearing this Pilate asked if the man was a Galilean;
and upon learning that he was under Herod’s jurisdiction,
he sent him to Herod who was in Jerusalem at that time.
Herod was very glad to see Jesus;
he had been wanting to see him for a long time,
for he had heard about him
and had been hoping to see him perform some sign.
He questioned him at length,
but he gave him no answer.
The chief priests and scribes, meanwhile,
stood by accusing him harshly.
Herod and his soldiers treated him contemptuously and mocked him,
and after clothing him in resplendent garb,
he sent him back to Pilate.
Herod and Pilate became friends that very day,
even though they had been enemies formerly.
Pilate then summoned the chief priests, the rulers, and the people
and said to them, “You brought this man to me
and accused him of inciting the people to revolt.
I have conducted my investigation in your presence
and have not found this man guilty
of the charges you have brought against him,
nor did Herod, for he sent him back to us.
So no capital crime has been committed by him.
Therefore I shall have him flogged and then release him.”

But all together they shouted out,
“Away with this man!
Release Barabbas to us.”
— Now Barabbas had been imprisoned for a rebellion
that had taken place in the city and for murder. —
Again Pilate addressed them, still wishing to release Jesus,
but they continued their shouting,
“Crucify him!  Crucify him!”
Pilate addressed them a third time,
“What evil has this man done?
I found him guilty of no capital crime.
Therefore I shall have him flogged and then release him.”
With loud shouts, however,
they persisted in calling for his crucifixion,
and their voices prevailed.
The verdict of Pilate was that their demand should be granted.
So he released the man who had been imprisoned
for rebellion and murder, for whom they asked,
and he handed Jesus over to them to deal with as they wished.

As they led him away
they took hold of a certain Simon, a Cyrenian,
who was coming in from the country;
and after laying the cross on him,
they made him carry it behind Jesus.
A large crowd of people followed Jesus,
including many women who mourned and lamented him.
Jesus turned to them and said,
“Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me;
weep instead for yourselves and for your children
for indeed, the days are coming when people will say,
‘Blessed are the barren,
the wombs that never bore
and the breasts that never nursed.’
At that time people will say to the mountains,
‘Fall upon us!’
and to the hills, ‘Cover us!’
for if these things are done when the wood is green
what will happen when it is dry?”
Now two others, both criminals,
were led away with him to be executed.

When they came to the place called the Skull,
they crucified him and the criminals there,
one on his right, the other on his left.
Then Jesus said,
“Father, forgive them, they know not what they do.”
They divided his garments by casting lots.
The people stood by and watched;
the rulers, meanwhile, sneered at him and said,
“He saved others, let him save himself
if he is the chosen one, the Christ of God.”
Even the soldiers jeered at him.
As they approached to offer him wine they called out,
“If you are King of the Jews, save yourself.”
Above him there was an inscription that read,
“This is the King of the Jews.”

Now one of the criminals hanging there reviled Jesus, saying,
“Are you not the Christ?
Save yourself and us.”
The other, however, rebuking him, said in reply,
“Have you no fear of God,
for you are subject to the same condemnation?
And indeed, we have been condemned justly,
for the sentence we received corresponds to our crimes,
but this man has done nothing criminal.”
Then he said,
“Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”
He replied to him,
“Amen, I say to you,
today you will be with me in Paradise.”

It was now about noon and darkness came over the whole land
until three in the afternoon
because of an eclipse of the sun.
Then the veil of the temple was torn down the middle.
Jesus cried out in a loud voice,
“Father, into your hands I commend my spirit”;
and when he had said this he breathed his last.

The centurion who witnessed what had happened glorified God and said,
“This man was innocent beyond doubt.”
When all the people who had gathered for this spectacle
saw what had happened,
they returned home beating their breasts;
but all his acquaintances stood at a distance,
including the women who had followed him from Galilee
and saw these events. – Luke 23:1-49

On the Other Side…

Waiting and thinking, I looked around and then straight ahead. Just beyond the sidewalk there was a chain looped through poles in the ground, creating an understanding to refrain from treading across the grass. Then, beyond that, there was a robin. It was also on pause and taking in things. Although both planted on ground… on earth, from the pavement, the robin was on the other side.

So many situations in life can involve, or evolve into, being on one side or the other. Yet faith calls us to strive to show compassion, mercy, and understanding to all. Faith calls us to unity despite any differences we may have.  Yet, so often, the human experience creeps toward unrest and disharmony rather than one of recognizing, appreciating, or celebrating the many different faces through which our Oneness remains.

Jesus said to the Pharisees and scribes, “Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” We are reminded as we read or listen to this passage about the woman caught in adultery (John 8:1-11), it is not for us to judge and condemn others. We are shown Jesus correcting the leaders of that time who are abusing their authority. Alongside this, we also see Jesus’ mercy in how he responds to the woman.

As we proceed through life, none of us get it “right” all the time. We trip… we fall… we stumble at times. That is what humans do. It is not what is important though. What matters is whether we are open to the invitation, and able to consider the possibility that in some situations we may not be so different from what is on the other side. In doing so, we can see common ground, and through the grace of God, it leads to mercy, compassion, and understanding.

When looking to the other side, what do you see? How do you see the other side in yourself, and yourself in the other side?

Robin

Jesus went to the Mount of Olives.
But early in the morning he arrived again in the temple area,
and all the people started coming to him,
and he sat down and taught them.
Then the scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman
who had been caught in adultery
and made her stand in the middle.
They said to him,
“Teacher, this woman was caught
in the very act of committing adultery.
Now in the law, Moses commanded us to stone such women.
So what do you say?”
They said this to test him,
so that they could have some charge to bring against him.
Jesus bent down and began to write on the ground with his finger.
But when they continued asking him,
he straightened up and said to them,
“Let the one among you who is without sin
be the first to throw a stone at her.”
Again he bent down and wrote on the ground.
And in response, they went away one by one,
beginning with the elders.
So he was left alone with the woman before him.
Then Jesus straightened up and said to her,
“Woman, where are they?
Has no one condemned you?”
She replied, “No one, sir.”
Then Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you.
Go, and from now on do not sin any more.” – John 8:1-11

The Hospitality of Love…

Without question, the story of the Prodigal Son shows the mercy of God and the challenge of forgiving trespasses, both our own and those of others. In addition, this parable also offers insight into the importance of a hospitable heart—a heart that is welcoming and gracious to all. This is what caused all those who drew near or reached out to Jesus, to do so. Likewise, this is what led the son who was lost to come back home.

“Coming to his senses he thought, ‘How many of my father’s hired workers have more than enough food to eat…” (Luke 15:17). Having lost everything that he thought was going to make him happy and experiencing a very inhospitable environment, the lost son recalls the truth of what the environment was like at his father’s house. He humbles himself and sets out to return home, owning the ways in which he has failed and letting go of all that might lead him to stay away.

When he does so, he encounters neither judgment nor criticism. In addition, his status as son and birthright as heir await him. He encounters open arms running to embrace and welcome him home—a heart overjoyed by his presence. Once again, he experiences true hospitality, which draws him right back into the fold.

Whether there is one or one million and one… or more, God is all in, and for all, always. Cause for rejoicing! What a great example!

May love be the gardener of your years
bringing forth from your grounding in God
a harvest of wholeness and peace,
a bounty of courage and compassion.

May your soul tower with the strength of cedars;
your heart pound with the power of the sea.
May joy rise in you like the mountains
and may it be a blessing you share with those you love,
who this day make merry
then in you, the great love of God
has found a home on earth.

– A Lebanese Blessing by Jeannette Abi-Bader, HM

ProdigalSon_Field

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to listen to Jesus,
but the Pharisees and scribes began to complain, saying,
“This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.”
So to them Jesus addressed this parable:
“A man had two sons, and the younger son said to his father,
‘Father give me the share of your estate that should come to me.’

So the father divided the property between them.
After a few days, the younger son collected all his belongings
and set off to a distant country
where he squandered his inheritance on a life of dissipation.
When he had freely spent everything,
a severe famine struck that country,
and he found himself in dire need.
So he hired himself out to one of the local citizens
who sent him to his farm to tend the swine.
And he longed to eat his fill of the pods on which the swine fed,
but nobody gave him any.
Coming to his senses he thought,
‘How many of my father’s hired workers
have more than enough food to eat,
but here am I, dying from hunger.
I shall get up and go to my father and I shall say to him,
“Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you.
I no longer deserve to be called your son;
treat me as you would treat one of your hired workers.”’
So he got up and went back to his father.
While he was still a long way off,
his father caught sight of him, and was filled with compassion.
He ran to his son, embraced him and kissed him.
His son said to him,
‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you;
I no longer deserve to be called your son.’
But his father ordered his servants,
‘Quickly bring the finest robe and put it on him;
put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.
Take the fattened calf and slaughter it.
Then let us celebrate with a feast,
because this son of mine was dead, and has come to life again;
he was lost, and has been found.’
Then the celebration began.
Now the older son had been out in the field
and, on his way back, as he neared the house,
he heard the sound of music and dancing.
He called one of the servants and asked what this might mean.
The servant said to him,
‘Your brother has returned
and your father has slaughtered the fattened calf
because he has him back safe and sound.’
He became angry,
and when he refused to enter the house,
his father came out and pleaded with him.
He said to his father in reply,
‘Look, all these years I served you
and not once did I disobey your orders;
yet you never gave me even a young goat to feast on with my friends.
But when your son returns
who swallowed up your property with prostitutes,
for him you slaughter the fattened calf.’
He said to him,
‘My son, you are here with me always;
everything I have is yours.
But now we must celebrate and rejoice,
because your brother was dead and has come to life again;
he was lost and has been found.’” – Luke 15:1-3, 11-32

A Good Recipe…

There is a cooking show that I watch from time to time in which chefs compete against each other until one chef is left standing. Throughout each round of the show, there is commentary from the chefs providing an inside view on their thoughts as they compete. Now, it could be that more than one chef states something like this to the camera, but oftentimes, there will be one chef who is absolutely certain that his or her dish is the best and cannot be beat. Without fail, that chef is beat.

Therefore, whoever thinks he is standing secure should take care not to fall. – St. Paul

In the first letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians (chapter 10, verse 12), St. Paul is trying to call awareness to the age old danger of allowing oneself to be lifted too high. He is cautioning the people against falling into the trap of seeing themselves, or living, as though above the need for self-examination. He is pointing to the example of the past and saying, learn from it! Do not let history repeat itself.

St. Paul goes on to state that there will be trials, but that they will not be bigger than God, who will provide for, protect, and faithfully guide the faithful through them.

No trial has come to you but what is human. God is faithful and will not let you be tried beyond your strength; but with the trial he will also provide a way out, so that you may be able to bear it. – 1 Corinthians 10:13   

It is a great time of year to take, or make, the opportunity to reflect upon faithfulness. Not loyalty to any human person, organization, or structure, but God’s faithfulness to us and ours to God. To examine what it means to oneself as an individual, as part of a family or group, as part of a community, etc. and to invite God for insight on how to better live by it.

TheWoundToJesusChest

Awaken to the Light…

A few nights ago I had fallen asleep while other household members were still up and about. Suddenly though, I was awake again. Someone had turned on the hallway light, which extended its reach into the room where I was sleeping. And while the light was rather intrusive that night, more often than not, the light is exactly what we need.

According to the Gospel of Luke, Peter, John, and James accompanied Jesus up the mountain to pray, but at some point, the three disciples were “overcome by sleep” (Luke 9:32). During their sleep, Jesus is not only joined by the prophets Moses and Elijah, engaging in discussion with them, but also becomes transfigured, his appearance changing and his clothing giving off great light.

Peter, John and James, awoken seemingly by the intense light, witness Jesus’ transfiguration and the presence of the prophets alongside him. This is shortly followed by a cloud that envelops them, creating both darkness and fear. Yet it was in this cloud and undoubtedly their confusion about what was going on, that God speaks to them, shedding light by revealing the truth as well as providing instruction—“This is my chosen Son; listen to him” (Luke 9:35).   

While the disciples cannot account for what happened while they were sleeping, now that they are awake they do have a responsibility with regards to what they had witnessed. At the time appointed by Jesus (Matthew 17:9; Mark 9:9), they will give voice to what they saw and experienced that day on the mountain.

As we go through life, we all have moments where we experience or witness the glory of God. We also have moments where we witness the opposite of that. Whichever it may be, we are always called to testify and give witness to the truth.

The Light always wakes us up, but it is up to us how we respond.

ThePath_Akiane
In order to choose the right path we do not have to figure out the wrong one— we just need to follow the light. – The Path by Akiane Kramarik

Jesus took Peter, John, and James
and went up the mountain to pray.
While he was praying his face changed in appearance
and his clothing became dazzling white.
And behold, two men were conversing with him, Moses and Elijah,
who appeared in glory and spoke of his exodus
that he was going to accomplish in Jerusalem.
Peter and his companions had been overcome by sleep,
but becoming fully awake,
they saw his glory and the two men standing with him.
As they were about to part from him, Peter said to Jesus,
“Master, it is good that we are here;
let us make three tents,
one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”
But he did not know what he was saying.
While he was still speaking,
a cloud came and cast a shadow over them,
and they became frightened when they entered the cloud.
Then from the cloud came a voice that said,
“This is my chosen Son; listen to him.”
After the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone.
They fell silent and did not at that time
tell anyone what they had seen.  – Luke 9:28B-36

A Time to Wait…

A few days ago, I found myself at the end of a rather long, slow moving line. Although I had anticipated this situation upon embarking to renew my driver’s license, I thought that perhaps the wait would be less since it was mid-morning and mid-week, but I was wrong. After wondering if I had made a mistake not showing up first thing in the morning and then whether I should go elsewhere or try another day, I decided not only to wait, but also to try to make the best of it. Turns out I was in good company.

While each of us in line could account for having paperwork in order (or at least to the best of one’s understanding) and thought we were ready to go, none of us could have accounted for the temporary halt in the functioning of the computer system or the various other issues that came into play, causing a delay for all who were trying to complete a transaction at that time on that day. It did not matter which side of the counter any of us were on, we were all waiting. We were also at a prolonged standstill for some time, except of course for those who turned around immediately upon seeing the length of the line or who left after little to no forward progress. In addition, we were all complete strangers, minus one employee and the person trying to return to her with additional paperwork left at home a day earlier. So, for the most part, we were all strangers, but we were together, and when one of us moved up a spot in the line, all of us moved up.

As the minutes… many minutes passed, for those of us who waited, eventually there was an end in sight, and along the way rewards of one kind or another. There were many conversations that sprung up, differing opinions aired regarding the need for such seemingly arduous procedures to prove one’s identity, laughs shared, and silent prayers during those silent moments when the stretch of time waiting seemed to lean toward being less bearable for all of us. However, one by one we made it through, progressing from chair to chair until finally, in due time, reaching the counter and processing the long-awaited transaction.

It is interesting how sometimes, maybe more often than we know, victory is in the waiting.

SunArising

Breaking Away…

Looking out the window, in the midst of being stuck on something for work, I wondered why the flow of cars had come to a stop. It was not even close to commuter traffic time. I stood up and went closer to the window to try to see what was happening outside. As I surveyed the street to the right and then back to the left, all at once the reasons for the holdup came into view.

The two beautiful horses that are normally fenced in across the street were leisurely jogging on the sidewalk, past the stopped cars on the road. I watched in awe as they calmly made their way down the street. Just as they passed my house, they started to turn left toward their home field, but then briefly paused and turned right, crossing the street at a wide opening between some cars, and taking a break in a next door neighbor’s front yard.

They seemed to be enjoying the air outside their usual stomping grounds. They stood there for a few moments, completely unaware of the angst of those trying to carefully restore them to those very grounds. They looked so very majestic and peaceful too.

While the horses breaking free and strolling around the neighborhood caused a bit of a stir, stopping traffic and leading officers to the scene, they were eventually led back to their enclosure. Everyone, horses, owners, officers, witnesses of the “jail” break, and passersby alike, continued on their way safe and sound. I went back to work, no longer stuck.

It is interesting how taking a little time to check things out, especially the unexpected, can bring with it an opportunity for great joy, an encounter or experience that can brighten an ordinary day, and perhaps even lead to insight and discovery of one kind or another. All of us, like the horses running down my street, need to step away or move into a different space at times, and take a breath of fresh air.

Horses1

Continuing Education…

“I have been a seeker and I still am, but I stopped asking the books and the stars. I started listening to the teaching of my soul.” –Rumi

Recently I attended a show where one of the scenes had a song about parents and teachers who were not listening to the voices of the children. It was as if in trying to teach and steer their children, they had become closed off to the fact that maybe there were things that they needed to learn too. The show and that scene were striking, calling to mind this Rumi quote and making me think about teaching, learning, and the role of prayer.

After having retreated to spend the night on the mountain, praying to God (Luke 6:12), Jesus returned. It was then, and only then, after prayer, that Jesus took action. Perhaps the most appealing qualities of Jesus are that his words and actions match, and that he teaches with a motivation that comes from wisdom and nourishment received through prayer.

While his disciples and countless others seek to listen to his words, to see what he is all about, and to receive healing from him, Jesus, in his ministry, never seeks to elevate, separate, or cut himself off from others, outside of retreating to pray. In the Sermon on the Plain (Luke 6:20-26), Jesus stands on level ground as he teaches… as he ministers.

Throughout Scripture, and throughout the ages, Jesus is always in the midst of those who seek him. As we strive, struggle, and overcome, Jesus is one with us. And we are to be one with each other.

However, just as in Scripture, in order for this to occur, we must be honest, having within our hearts and minds an openness to healing, a resistance to complacency, and a desire to keep learning and to grow closer to God each and every day. Doing so allows for a life that is not only just and honorable, but also faithful.

And he came down with them
and stood on a stretch of level ground.
A great crowd of his disciples
and a large number of the people
from all Judea and Jerusalem
and the coastal region of Tyre and Sidon
came to hear him
and to be healed of their diseases;
and even those who were tormented by unclean spirits were cured.
Everyone in the crowd sought to touch him
because power came forth from him and healed them all.

And raising his eyes toward his disciples he said:

“Blessed are you who are poor,
for the kingdom of God is yours.

Blessed are you who are now hungry,
for you will be satisfied.

Blessed are you who are now weeping,
for you will laugh.

Blessed are you when people hate you,
and when they exclude and insult you,
and denounce your name as evil
on account of the Son of Man.

Rejoice and leap for joy on that day! Behold, your reward will be great in heaven. For their ancestors treated the prophets in the same way.

But woe to you who are rich,
for you have received your consolation.

But woe to you who are filled now,
for you will be hungry.

Woe to you who laugh now,
for you will grieve and weep.

Woe to you when all speak well of you,
for their ancestors treated the false prophets in this way.

– Luke 6:17-26

Rock the Boat…

On a big lake, slouched down at one end of a small canoe-like boat, the joy of my childhood anticipation and enthusiasm at the opportunity for me and one of my sisters to accompany a relative who was going fishing had been rapidly replaced by shaky nerves almost immediately upon embarking from the shore. I was 9 or 10 years old at the time, and although it was so long ago, I vividly remember the experience.

It was early one muggy summer evening and, outside of bugs sporadically buzzing around, there seemed to be no movement in the air. The area around the lake was blanketed in the browns and greens of the many trees that encircled it. The sky seemed as if being slowing drained of its light as the day progressed toward an end. And the lake, when glancing across to the other side, seemed as still as the air.

I could not fathom why the boat was rocking and swaying the way it was when there seemed to be so much at rest around it. I remember feeling like I could not wait to get back to land. My relative was standing and fishing, and my sister was sitting more upright than I. She was searching for any signs of life on and in the water. As she described what she saw over the edge of the boat, I would periodically straighten up enough to get a brief glimpse of what she was talking about before sliding back down into what seemed a safer position.

Then, at one point my sister excitedly said, “Look at that!” To which I reacted, without thought. I sat upright and both of us looked and leaned in the same direction, shifting the weight inside the boat. Luckily the boat did not tip, but the incident did provide a heart racing moment for all of us in the boat, and undoubtedly for the inhabitants of the water in close proximity to it.

As much of a jolt as the experience of almost tipping the boat was, it was also life-altering for the better. The rock and sway of the boat, that had been almost unbearable from the time we had departed from the shore, somehow was not so bothersome any more. And it was as if the fear of being anything other than tucked in or sheltered inside the boat, was tossed out, during those uncertain moments of rapidly rocking back and forth from the sudden shift of weight.

From that point onward, my sister and I both sat upright, together. Taking in, talking, sharing, and discovering the wonder of all that was over the edge of the boat, and all around us.  The time passed and as it began to get darker outside, we returned to the shoreline, made our way back to the car, and eventually home.

My sister and I did not have our own nets, fishing line, rods, and bait, as we sat in the boat, on the lake, fishing that day. However, we had all we needed—we had each other, and we had God. In a time when there are great efforts being made to “Fish for people” (or to evangelize), sometimes, it’s a matter of rocking the boat, in order to wake up and find the fish.

RockTheBoat

While the crowd was pressing in on Jesus and listening
to the word of God,
he was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret.
He saw two boats there alongside the lake;
the fishermen had disembarked and were washing their nets.
Getting into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon,
he asked him to put out a short distance from the shore.
Then he sat down and taught the crowds from the boat.
After he had finished speaking, he said to Simon,
“Put out into deep water and lower your nets for a catch.”
Simon said in reply,
“Master, we have worked hard all night and have caught nothing,
but at your command I will lower the nets.”
When they had done this, they caught a great number of fish
and their nets were tearing.
They signaled to their partners in the other boat
to come to help them.
They came and filled both boats
so that the boats were in danger of sinking.
When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at the knees of Jesus and said,
“Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man.”
For astonishment at the catch of fish they had made seized him
and all those with him,
and likewise James and John, the sons of Zebedee,
who were partners of Simon.
Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid;
from now on you will be catching men.”
When they brought their boats to the shore,
they left everything and followed him. – Luke 5:1-11