On this Fifth Sunday after Trinity, our Gospel lesson from Luke 5:1-11 points us to the reality of Christ within the boat of the Church and His command to His disciples (which includes all Christians) to let down the nets for a catch by striving to catch men with the Gospel. In our baptisms we enter this holy ark of the Christian Church; through God’s constant provision of Word and Sacrament, we are kept safe with Him as our Captain and sent forth to share Christ and to invite people into the boat with us. Like Peter, we may have “toiled all night” in sharing the Gospel, only to feel empty-handed. Yet at Jesus’ word we cast the nets again—trusting that He, not we, fills them. This miraculous catch points us to our duty within our various vocations: every baptized Christian is called to “fish for men.” Evangelism isn’t firstly the job of a committee or the pastor—it’s our daily calling in our homes, workplaces, and friendships. We speak of Christ not because we have the power to persuade, but because Jesus works through the words and witness of His people. Just as others once brought us into this ark of salvation, so now we are sent to rescue others from the flood of sin and death. Fed and strengthened by Christ within the Divine Service, may we joyfully and faithfully let down the nets again and again.
All Saints Lutheran Church and School 