In today’s Gospel, we find Simon Peter, weary from an entire night of fruitless labor. He and his companions had toiled on the lake, casting their nets over and over, yet catching nothing. They were seasoned fishermen, skilled in their trade, yet even their expertise had failed them. As they washed their empty nets—perhaps with a sense of frustration or resignation—Jesus arrives and steps into Simon’s boat.

After teaching the crowds, Jesus turns to Simon and gives an unexpected command: “Put out into deep water and lower your nets for a catch.” Imagine the moment—Simon, exhausted and doubtful, responds honestly: “Master, we have worked hard all night and have caught nothing, but at Your word, I will lower the nets.”

What follows is astonishing: an overwhelming, miraculous catch of fish—so abundant that their nets begin to break and their boats nearly sink! At this, Simon Peter falls at the feet of Jesus, realizing that he is in the presence of someone far greater than himself. “Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man.” But Jesus, in His boundless mercy, does not turn away from Peter’s unworthiness. Instead, He calls him to something even greater: “Do not be afraid; from now on, you will be catching men.”

This passage speaks to the very heart of discipleship. How often do we, like Peter, toil through life—working hard, making plans, and striving for success—only to feel empty and unfulfilled? There are moments when, despite our best efforts, we see no results, and discouragement sets in. But the Lord comes to us in those very moments and invites us to trust Him more deeply.

Peter’s response is key: “At Your word, I will lower the nets.” This act of obedience, despite human doubt and exhaustion, leads to a miraculous catch. The lesson is clear: when we trust in Christ and follow His voice, He will accomplish in us far more than we could ever achieve on our own.

This Gospel also reveals a deeper reality: Jesus does not call the perfect; He calls the willing. Peter, aware of his own sinfulness, feels unworthy to be in the presence of Christ. Yet Jesus does not reject him. Instead, He calls Peter into an even greater mission—one that will change the course of his life and the history of the Church.

Jesus asks us to “put out into the deep.” In our spiritual lives, this means leaving behind shallow faith, comfortable routines, and worldly securities. It means trusting Him even when our efforts seem futile. It means going where He leads, even when we don’t fully understand.

As young Catholics, we are called not just to live a passive faith but to become “fishers of men.” Christ calls us to cast our nets in a world that often resists the Gospel. Evangelizing is not always easy; we may experience rejection, doubt, or moments when our efforts seem fruitless. Yet, if we trust in the Lord and act at His word, He will bring forth a great harvest—even in the most unexpected ways.

Today, let us ask ourselves:

• Do I trust in the Lord even when my efforts seem fruitless?
• Am I willing to go deeper in my faith, even when it requires sacrifice?
• How can I respond to Jesus’ call to be a “fisher of men” in my daily life?

Let us take courage in the words of Christ: “Do not be afraid.” Like Peter, may we surrender our fears, our weaknesses, and even our failures into His hands, knowing that He transforms ordinary lives into extraordinary instruments of His grace.