diving for jesus
"Master, we have been hard at it all night long and have caught nothing; but if You say so, I will lower the nets." —Luke 5:5
On January 6, 2001, the feast of the Epiphany and the official end of the Great Jubilee, Pope John Paul II prophesied: "Put out into the deep" (Lk 5:4, our transl). By this, he called us to invest all our energy into the "new evangelization."
Now, over two years after this jubilee papal prophecy and command, we should examine our consciences to see whether we have obeyed the Lord and are boldly sharing our faith in Him. Pope John Paul II has given us knowledge of God's "will through perfect wisdom and spiritual insight" (Col 1:9). Now we must "lead a life worthy of the Lord and pleasing to Him in every way. [We] will multiply good works of every sort and grow in the knowledge of God" (Col 1:10).
To "put out into the deep" is analogous to diving into a pool of water. Jesus must tell us where and when to dive. Otherwise, we may harm ourselves and others. Nonetheless, when Jesus says, "Dive," we must trust Him completely and abandon ourselves to His perfect will.
Have you "put out into the deep"? Are you "in over your head"? Don't worry. Nothing is over Jesus' head. Don't be timid or fearful. You are a child of God and anointed with the Holy Spirit. Dive!
Prayer: Father, may I be willing to "go through a brick wall" for Jesus.
Promise: "He rescued us from the power of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of His beloved Son. Through Him we have redemption, the forgiveness of our sins." —Col 1:13-14
Praise: Julie decided to put her energy into a "new evangelization" by starting a service ministry sponsored by the youth in her parish.
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Richard L. Klug, February 27, 2003
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, March 3, 2003