Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We are going with you also.
John 21:3 NKJV
That encounter had changed Simon's life. From a humble Galilean fisherman to a follower of the Messiah, he is called to become a “fisher of men” (Luke 5:10). Without hesitation, together with his partners, John and James sons of Zebedee, he pulls the boats ashore, ditches the nets, and leaves everything behind to follow him. What his eyes see soon opens up new scenarios, the Kingdom of God in their midst, the Messianic expectation finally fulfilled. Three incredible years. Then Gethsemane, Jesus' arrest, denial, crucifixion, and something begins to crumble. Death always shocks, uncovers all the fragility of the human being, unable to process and make sense of what is happening. Yet after a few days he sees the empty tomb and the apparitions of the Risen One reawaken his ardor, even if some fear comes and leaves latent marks in his heart and head. Probably the expectations were other, the hopes for upliftment and improvement remained unexpected. While it is true that the Master taught to seek the things above, to pursue a Kingdom that was not of this world, and to be ready to give up everything, how can one not blame those who, standing by his side, saw the supernatural and the extraordinary being realized daily.
Suddenly something seemingly strange happens. The evangelist tells us that Simon Peter decides to go back to fishing for fish. The choice of the double name, his own and that received from the Master, seems to indicate a struggle between the two, in which the former prevails. Losing the daily reference, that someone who shows him the best way somehow erases the prospects on which they had walked together. A state of uncertainty, almost of immobility, takes over. Without him, the days suddenly become dull. That longing to embrace the Master again, but he doesn't show up. A group of disciples is near Lake Tiberias. They have returned to their families, to the place where Jesus had met them. Some doubt knocks, some strange thought begins to make its way into those colorless days with no future and no present. Then in order not to end up prey, it is necessary to react. What to do, while many are watching you and waiting for your choice? When everyone would like to do something, but no one speaks up, it is the leader's moment. His words break the silent clamor of everyone's mind, they are blades that cut the curtain and bring everyone back to the scene of life: “I'm going fishing.” Yes, I have been fumbling for a long time, but without a solution. I know I should do something, but I lack clear directions. Then after all, who am I compared to them?
Suddenly, Peter gets up, opens the door and goes back to the nets. Of those present, no one holds him back, no one asks for an explanation, but a chorus suddenly rises in unison: “We are coming with you, too.” The initiative finds approval from the group. Or perhaps they were afraid of losing Peter too? Perhaps. Actually, when all is silent, as time passes, someone's stubbornness can be the handmaiden of divine intervention. Continuing to ask questions leads nowhere. Looking at the horizon from the window does not bring it closer. That night they caught nothing, but little did they care. Those who go to sea know that there are bad days. It was important to be back in the boat, to have found the strength to react, to break the wait. That fishing is a return to the past, as if Jesus was a parenthesis now to be closed. The reality is that the fledgling community was already falling apart, behind a leader who was not yet “charismatic.” But that decision will lead them to the turning point, despite the fact that that night turned out to be a failure. Jesus knew where to find them and goes to meet their nothingness, suggesting that they cast their nets on the right side for a miraculous catch. For Peter it will be an unforgettable day.
You feel tired, challenged, because you have worked so hard, sweated and shed tears to reap nothing or little. You are not alone. We all plan, we plan and then to gather crumbs, touching our limitations. So fatigue sets in, and we don't feel like chatting with anyone. We return disappointed to our former nets. While we feel this way, Jesus comes in the shoes of a wayfarer and everything is rekindled: “Simon of Jonah, do you love me more than these people?” He answered him, “ Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” (v. 15). Let this devotional be your wayfarer today.
Weekly Bible Reading Plan # 42
October 14, Isaiah 45-46; 1 Thessalonians 3
October 15, Isaiah 47-49; 1 Thessalonians 4
October 16, Isaiah 50-52; 1 Thessalonians 5
October 17, Isaiah 53-55; 2 Thessalonians 1
October 18, Isaiah 56-58; 2 Thessalonians 2
October 19, Isaiah 59-61; 2 Thessalonians 3
October 20, Isaiah 62-64; 1 Timothy 1
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