Epiphany: Experiencing Christ

Luke 5:1-11

Hear what the Spirit is saying to the church from the Gospel of Luke:

One day, Jesus was standing by Lake Gennesaret, and the crowd pressed in on him to hear the word of God. 2 He saw two boats moored by the side of the lake; the fishers had disembarked and were washing their nets. 3 Jesus stepped into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to pull out a short distance from the shore; then, remaining seated, he continued to teach the crowds from the boat. 4 When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Pull out into deep water and lower your nets for a catch.” 5 Simon answered, “Rabbi, we’ve been working hard all night long and have caught nothing; but if you say so, I’ll lower the nets.” 6 Upon doing so, they caught such a great number of fish that their nets were at the breaking point. 7 They signaled to their mates in the other boat to come and help them, and together they filled the two boats until they both nearly sank. 8 After Simon saw what happened, he was filled with awe and fell down before Jesus, saying, “Leave me, Rabbi, for I’m a sinner.” 9 For Simon and his shipmates were astonished at the size of the catch they had made, 10 as were James and John, Zebedee’s sons, who were Simon’s partners. Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you’ll fish among humankind.” 11 And when they brought their boats to shore, they left everything and followed him.

This is the word of the Lord.         Thanks be to God.