I love the image of putting out into the deep and letting down our nets for a catch. Somehow this morning I hear it as a call to let ourselves move into the deeper waters of our spiritual strength, questions, wisdom, and trust in divine love, even if, in our weariness and discouragement, we are not sure that making such an effort, and taking such a risk, will be worth our time, or bring forth any blessings.
What if our venture into the deep were to take us out of our familiar ways, "distract" us from where we thought we were headed, stir us with a profound surprise, and beckon us in a new direction?
This story suggests that Jesus might well think of these possibilities as a gift. The story also reveals that if we become overwhelmed, we can "call on our partners" in another boat to helps us.
This passage connects in creative ways to many other biblical texts. As Professor Arlen J. Hultgren of Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota, notes, "There are features to this story that resonate with other significant biblical motifs. One is that, when Simon is called, he resists, as do Moses, Isaiah, and Jeremiah, to name but three (Exodus 3:11; Isaiah 6:1-11; Jeremiah 1:6).
"Another is the exclamation of Simon, saying that the “Lord” should depart from him because of his being a sinful man (5:8). It is a common biblical motif for a person to feel unworthy in the presence of the divine (Exodus 3:6; 33:20; Judges 6:22; 13:22; Isaiah 6:5; Luke 18:13)."
Jesus is not afraid of our humanity. And perhaps we can learn, in his company, that embracing our humanity with openness can help us deepen and expand our capacity for compassion. As Jesus says in Luke 6:6: "Be compassionate, as your Creator in heaven is compassionate."
Professor Arlen J. Hultgren is Emeritus Professor of New Testament at Luther Seminary. His full reflections on Luke 5:1-11 can be found at workingpreacher.org