The associated reading for this reflection can be found in your Every Sacred Sunday Mass journal or online here.
I’ve been reflecting lately on casting my net out into the deep. “Master, we have worked hard all night and have caught nothing,” I started my work as a Director of Youth Ministry at a local parish a few years ago. When I first started, I was full of eager energy and it served me very well. Until it didn’t.
Late nights, tons of extracurriculars, well-attended events, and narrow boundaries set me on a path to a fractured personal faith that had me dreading all things faith. I was exhausted. There were many moments where I implored God to show me that my full net was worth it- not realizing that all the while my net had torn and my boat was sinking.
“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.
…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.”
Casting our nets into the deep can be exhausting. Whether that looks like chaperoning extra events for your child’s school, making homemade dinner every evening, or working beyond your desire to rest. We all have a deeply rooted desire to catch all of life’s moments at once, and when we become burnt-out, we ask God to reveal to us how it was worth it. Rest, let go, and follow Him. Surrender your control and abandon your sinking boat.
I was struck by the end of the Gospel when the fishermen left everything and followed Jesus. How often are we willing to let go of what we think the Lord wants us to catch, and follow Him to discover truth?
I spent many years casting my net into the deep with eager anticipation of my catch. I begged God to give me a full net, and denied myself opportunities for rest and surrender. But as my boat began to sink, I realized that God was calling me elsewhere. I surrendered the control I so deeply wanted to the One who wants my greatest good.
Lord, be with us in moments of bountiful harvest and be with us in moments of rest. Teach us how to let go of our nets and follow you. Teach us how to surrender control and leave our sinking boats at the shore.
Chenele Shaw is a former youth minister and current young adult trying to live her life for Christ, frequent her therapist, and eat all the cheese! She desires to be her authentic self and help others as well. You can find her watching reality tv, going to confession, and updating her Spotify playlists. Follow her on Instagram and say hey!