Duc in Altum - Put out into the deep

Fifth Sunday - Year C

Isaiah 6:1-2a, 3-8; Psalm 138:1-8; 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 (15:3-8); Luke 5:1-11

The theme of the liturgy of the Word is an encounter that changes human lives. Isaiah, Paul, Peter, and other disciples met God and testify to the transforming power of that meeting. Isaiah and Peter speak about their fear and Paul about his unworthiness. Meeting the Holy God revealed to them the depth of their sinfulness. But God reveals Himself not to condemn but to purify and call.

“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts!” (Is. 6:3). We sing this song of the angels during our Eucharist just before the Consecration, when the bread and wine on the altar become Christ’s body and blood. This song is also sung day and night in the heavenly liturgy by the four living creatures surrounding the altar of the Almighty (Rev. 4:6-8).

Isaiah’s guilt was taken away (Is. 6:7), Peter was assured by Jesus that he has nothing to fear, and Paul stands as a living example that Christ came to save sinners among whom he considered himself the worst (1 Tim. 1:15-16). We have a similar experience after the sacraments of baptism and of reconciliation - our sins are purged away. And then during the Eucharist, when we approach the altar and see the Lamb of God that was slain standing in front of us, we acknowledged that we are not worthy to receive Him. Yet, the love of God is greater than our sins. The words of Paul, “He loved me and gave Himself for me” (Gal. 2:20) apply to each one of us.

“Whom shall I send?” (Is. 6:8). God is looking for the messengers of His word. Who is willing to become the “fishers of men” (Mark 1:17; Luke 5:10), to preach the Gospel of Christ’s death, burial and resurrection (1 Cor. 15:3-4)? Isaiah answers: “Here am I, send me” (Is 6:9). Peter leaves everything behind and follows Christ. Then, we have the list of the names of those who are the foundation stones of the Church (1 Cor. 15:5-8; see Eph. 2:20; Rev 21:14). How about us?

Peter failed to catch anything not because he was a poor fisherman but because the lake of Galilee faced the problem of overfishing. Peter and the sons of Zebedee faced competition from Herod Antipas who supplied the court of the Roman Emperor with fish and other products from Galilee. By doing so he wanted to secure for himself the title of the king of the Jews. It is also worth noting that in the Gospel of John the lake of Galilee is named after Emperor Tiberius under whose reign Jesus was crucified (see John 21:1). Thus, the miraculous catch reveals who is the Lord here - neither Herod nor the Emperor, but Jesus Christ.

“Duc in Altum” - “Put out into the deep” (Luke 5:4). These words invite Peter to try again; it is an invitation to trust in Jesus. And Peter did that: “Lord at Thy word I will let down the net” (Luke 5:5). This faith became the foundation of his apostolic mission: “From now on you will be taking people alive” (Luke 5:10). What does it mean? The Church proclaims the Gospel at the command of Christ (Matt. 28:18-20). Like Peter’s net fishing, it demands long hours of hard work often with very little results. Unlike catching fish, however, the proclamation of the Gospel liberates people from the destructive power of sin and gives them new life.

Let me end this sharing with inspiring words from Saint John Paul II:

“Put out into the deep, trust in Christ, overcome weakness and discouragement and put out into the deep anew. Discover the depth of your own spirit, penetrate into the depths of the world, embrace the word of Christ, trust Him and take up your life mission. People of this new age expect your testimony. Do not be afraid, put out into the deep, Christ is with you”.