FISHING (MATTHEW 4:18-22)

REFLECTION The theme for our reflection is fishing. Fishing is the activity of catching fish, either for food or as a sport. The disciples were in the business of fishing, most probably for food and as a source of livelihood. Jesus found the disciples who were professional fishermen useful for the ministry of fishing for…

Jean-Paul Agidi

May 4, 2022

2–3 minutes

REFLECTION

The theme for our reflection is fishing. Fishing is the activity of catching fish, either for food or as a sport. The disciples were in the business of fishing, most probably for food and as a source of livelihood.

Jesus found the disciples who were professional fishermen useful for the ministry of fishing for lost souls, he therefore said to them “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” (Matthew 4:19). The disciples positively and willingly responded to the call to become fishers of men (people). It is important to note that fishing involves special skills and training to be able to fish effectively. Moreso this type of fishing was going to be more challenging than the one they knew but with Christ and the gift of the Holy Spirit they were going to be successful.

In fishing for the lost, Jesus is the chief fisherman, we believers are his co-fishermen, the church is the boat from which we shall operate on the sea, the sea is the sinful world from which we shall be fishing, our net is the Good News or Gospel and the lost souls are the fish in the sea of this sinful world. Anytime we proclaim Christ to the world or the Good News, we cast our net into the sea. The Holy Spirit will enable us to have a catch or a bountiful harvest if only we don’t give up but continue fishing with love, faith, prayer and the unity of purpose. Jesus has equipped us with a boat (the church), net (the Gospel) and Power (the Holy Spirit), It is now our turn to make ourselves available and cast the net of salvation for there are perishing fish in the sea of sin which we ought to save with urgency. We have no excuse, for we have also been saved by grace through faith in Christ. Shalom

PRAYER

Almighty God, give us the confidence and strength as fishermen and women of the Church of Christ, who are ever ready to go fishing for lost souls. May you shield us from the storms of impediments on the sea so that through the power of the Holy Spirit we may always come home with a bountiful harvest of souls. Amen