This contrasts biblical fishing style with modern fishing style.

Biblical Fishing Style – Boats, Big Nets

(The fish caught – all at once, many, fish had no choice in the matter like being in the wrong place at the wrong time)

Contemporary Modern Fishing in our culture -- Rod, Reel, Bait, Tackle (like hooks, bobbers, sinkers, flies, worms, minnows, and so forth) maybe some use boats, usually with a motor

(The fish are enticed, offering of food [fish might be HUNGRY] sometimes the fish takes the bait right off the hook, sometimes as fish is reeled in it comes off the line, different baits for different fish)

Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching people.” When they brought their boats to the shore, they left everything and followed him.

So Jesus asks Simon (aka Cephas, Peter), James and John and us to be fishers of people. In the biblical fishing scene, the fish really don’t have a choice, the net catches everything, healthy fish, sick fish, rubble, lake weeds and so on. We hear that so many fish were caught the boats almost sank. Most often preachers will spend time talking about the miracle that took place – no fish all night but at Jesus’ word lots and lots of fish. But let’s not concentrate on that image of today’s reading.

Let’s focus on how this “fish story” relates to modern ways of fishing. First modern fishing is different, not a Big sweep but more an individual enterprise. A rod, reel, line and bait are used. The fisher person is hoping that the fish are hungry or at least curious about the bait or lure that is offered. The angler must “present” the bait or lure, either moving the line up and down or hoping for a good current. Once the fish “strikes”, the angler must “set the hook” to snag the fish, reel it in and then “land” it in the boat or net. Sometimes the fish might nibble at the bait but not take it. Other times they actually clean off the bait without getting hooked. Then the angler must rebait, recast and hope for success. Fishing takes effort, skill and patience.

So if we are to take Jesus’ word to heart and become fishers of people then let’s focus on modern fishing techniques. The lure being used is the Good News, the Christ Event, Jesus! The lure is spiritual food for a hungry world. The “fish” are those who are hungry for spiritual nourishment. Some eagerly grab the bait (the Jesus Story) -- Hook, Line and Sinker. Easy to “land” this fish!

But sometimes the fish nibble, they are hungry but reluctant. The angler must work harder at the presentation. So too with evangelization. The Jesus story must be presented a few times not only in words but action. As attributed to St. Francis of Assisi “Preach the Gospel at all times, if necessary use words.” Not just words but empathy, compassion, caring and love. Remember in Acts it mentions “how those Christians love one another”. This behavior will go a long way in satisfying the spiritual hunger. Eventually in this scenario most of the fish will bite, get hooked and then landed.

So what about the fish that cleans the hook or falls off the hook on the way to the boat? The determined angler doesn’t give up, they rebait, recast and try again. So too for the committed Jesus Angler. We are just part of the process. It is God who calls the “fish”/person. We are the rod, the reel, the hook, or the lure. It’s not about us, we are just the equipment.

NOTES:

February 7, 2016
5th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C