By the Sweat of Awkward Conversations

 Luke 5:1-11 (New English Translation)

Now Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret, and the crowd was pressing around him to hear the word of God. He saw two boats by the lake, but the fishermen had gotten out of them and were washing their nets. He got into one of the boats, which was Simon’s, and asked him to put out a little way from the shore. Then Jesus sat down and taught the crowds from the boat. When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into the deep water and lower your nets for a catch.” Simon answered, “Master, we worked hard all night and caught nothing! But at your word I will lower the nets.” When they had done this, they caught so many fish that their nets started to tear. So they motioned to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both boats, so that they were about to sink. But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!” For Peter and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish that they had taken, and so were James and John, Zebedee’s sons, who were Simon’s business partners. Then Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching people!” So when they had brought their boats to shore, they left everything and followed him.

We are blessed to live in a great area for fly fishing. I am told that the Yellow Breeches is among the best. I wouldn't know. I don't think that catching fish is one of my gifts. My grandfather never exactly told me that I was bad at catching fish, he would say I was really good at catching crabs. I learned in later years that it was Chesapeake Bay talk for not being good at fishing. Yes, it was a nice way to say it with a chuckle. It didn't hurt. I didn't mind. Good fishing was in the family. My grandmother, after all, he would proudly boast caught the record flounder for the year (woman power) and it hung on the wall!

Do you consider yourself "good" at fishing? What skills and attitudes are necessary?

One of the most thought provoking connections is a disconnect with this text. The fishing that they were doing was net fishing. They did not use singular poles with bait. The method and manner are entirely different. They did not use lures, but weights on the edge of the circular net.  Net fishing was not about patience and waiting, but hard work and repetition, often with little or limited results over long hours.

So, if we shift our thoughts about what fishing is or looks like for catching fish, then we can begin to see what Jesus means about fishing for people. We might hear Jesus saying that we will need to be active and engaged. We will need to put in a lot of effort to connect people with the Good News. Our results will often be frustrating. Many times, we will be casting on the wrong side of the boat--we will need to reconsider our focus and attention. We will have to have those awkward conversations with people who aren't sure that they care about Creation and don't know that the Creator cares about them!  We might sweat a bit if it gets heated or nervous. We should be always rejoicing, though, because God doesn't throw back anyone that is caught. No one is too small, just for the sport, not the "right kind," or even too crabby!

Today is Earth Day. On Sunday we will have a special worship celebration with Lutherans Restoring Creation. Below are some links. 

Great God, we praise you for your gift of life and the many ways that you feed and sustain us. We offer to you in this moment, a portion of our thankfulness for those who found us and brought us into the worshiping boat. We lift before you in praise, our sometimes paltry harvest, knowing that all times with you are good! We ask your continual healing and help with those who are sick or suffering in any way...We pray for those who do not know you or who have fell into a time of distrust and doubt...We give you great thanks for this incredible and beautiful Creation, guide us to be better and more faithful managers of all creatures from the smallest to the greatest, soil and water, air and rock, all that is truly and finally yours. To you, the Author of Life, we give all glory and honor. Amen.

Bishop Eaton Earth Day Letter

Our Synod Earth Day worship