Cast Deep Inside
This morning when going through emails, I came to the below. Reading I found myself thinking, how often have I moved through my day, tired and discouraged. Just going through the motions required to complete the tasks in front of me, paying little or no attention to the deeper meaning. Giving no consideration to what I am actually being asked to do and the impact my response has on myself and others.
In the Gospel reading of the day, Lk 5:1-11 we find the following:
4And when Jesus had ceased speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch." 5And Simon answered, "Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets."
What is Jesus asking? I believe that what Jesus asked of Simon, he asks of us. Have faith in the Word. Trust in the Lord. Look into the deep and you will find Him, you will find comfort and all that you need.
In the Gospel reading of the day, Lk 5:1-11 we find the following:
4And when Jesus had ceased speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch." 5And Simon answered, "Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets."
What is Jesus asking? I believe that what Jesus asked of Simon, he asks of us. Have faith in the Word. Trust in the Lord. Look into the deep and you will find Him, you will find comfort and all that you need.
Give Us This Day
Cast Deep Inside
“I’m beyond tired, I’m exhausted. I’ve worked for hours, and I see no progress or any fruit of my labor. I’m worried about doing good enough for those who depend on me, and I’m discouraged by the difficulty of it all.” This may have been the inner monologue of Peter, tidying his nets after a tough night. This may be your inner monologue sometimes, especially after long days or nights of work, childcare or eldercare, or other demanding duties. Sometimes we just want to get through it all and be done with it.
When Jesus asks Peter to cast into the deep, the depth is not only that of the water. This depth is also the inner place of resilience that Peter must find to move forward. Deep inside, there may still be a place of hope, courage, and even joy. Deep inside, with God, is life. When we are willing to look again into the deep, and resist the despair that hovers at the end of long, difficult, seemingly fruitless work, we may discover, by grace, a way that is easy and light.
Lowering the nets after a fruitless night is foolishness in the eyes of a seasoned fisherman. Going along with silly play at bath time instead of insisting on the efficiency of getting it done right now is foolishness in the eyes of an exhausted parent. Building bath-bubble mountains with the kids is foolishness in the concrete. Yet the lightness and joy, when we cast deep inside and allow it, is as abundant and freeing as a miraculous catch. Sometimes the nets of our hearts will tear, allowing us to grow toward greater joy.
- Daniella Zsupan-Jerome
Send Comments: boniface@oblate.info
Cast Deep Inside
“I’m beyond tired, I’m exhausted. I’ve worked for hours, and I see no progress or any fruit of my labor. I’m worried about doing good enough for those who depend on me, and I’m discouraged by the difficulty of it all.” This may have been the inner monologue of Peter, tidying his nets after a tough night. This may be your inner monologue sometimes, especially after long days or nights of work, childcare or eldercare, or other demanding duties. Sometimes we just want to get through it all and be done with it.
When Jesus asks Peter to cast into the deep, the depth is not only that of the water. This depth is also the inner place of resilience that Peter must find to move forward. Deep inside, there may still be a place of hope, courage, and even joy. Deep inside, with God, is life. When we are willing to look again into the deep, and resist the despair that hovers at the end of long, difficult, seemingly fruitless work, we may discover, by grace, a way that is easy and light.
Lowering the nets after a fruitless night is foolishness in the eyes of a seasoned fisherman. Going along with silly play at bath time instead of insisting on the efficiency of getting it done right now is foolishness in the eyes of an exhausted parent. Building bath-bubble mountains with the kids is foolishness in the concrete. Yet the lightness and joy, when we cast deep inside and allow it, is as abundant and freeing as a miraculous catch. Sometimes the nets of our hearts will tear, allowing us to grow toward greater joy.
- Daniella Zsupan-Jerome
Send Comments: boniface@oblate.info