From the Gospel according to Saint Luke
Luke 5:1-11

While the Gospel encourages us to be fishers of men, I would like to reflect on the other side—the men who are to be caught.

In Jesus' time, the Gospel had not yet been proclaimed to the multitude (The Mission of the Twelve, Matthew 10:7-8). Today, however, with the help of technology, access to the Good News is literally at our fingertips. While some places remain unreached, many have already been evangelized. Surprisingly, some—like parts of Africa—have developed a deeper spiritual growth than those who have long received the Gospel (The Parable of the Sower, Matthew 13:3-9).

However, some of us who are aware of the Gospel remain impartial or uncooperative, while others choose to be ignorant. They set their standards according to what the world dictates, believing in ideas that directly oppose the Gospel, such as the legalization of divorce in the Philippines, the use of contraceptives, and the promotion of sex education among young learners. In essence, many adopt the mindset that as long as we do not harm or compromise others, we are doing good. But this, I believe, is an inferior way of thinking (Isaiah 5:20 – "Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!").

Jesus' words were clear. One of His statements tells us that He did not come to bring peace but division—that whoever tries to save their life will lose it, but those who lose their life for His sake will gain it (Luke 9:24 – "For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it."). To those unfamiliar with the Gospel, this may sound tyrannical or even unconvincing. However, it calls for our unconditional trust in Jesus, even if it means leaving behind loved ones who choose the opposite path (Luke 12:51-53 – "Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division. From now on there will be five in one family divided against each other, three against two and two against three.").

Of course, this may seem selfish, which is why we are challenged to become fishers of men—to gather all the faithful in unity with the Gospel, whether they be family, friends, or strangers (Matthew 28:19 – "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.").

We may not have the reverence and authority of priests to make ourselves credible preachers, but not every saint was a priest. So, what’s our excuse? (1 Peter 3:15 – "But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.").

At this point in our lives, we must reflect: Are we called to be fishers of men, or are we among those waiting to be caught?


Luke 5:1-11