The Daily Office for October 1, 2012
Scripture Readings
Old Testament
Psalm
New Testament
Gospel
Reflection
From Peter’s boat, Jesus taught the multitudes who stood on the shore. Jesus had met Peter previously and the fisherman had followed Christ on and off for some time. After this experience, however, they left everything to follow the Lord. The miracle mentioned in today's passage was that Jesus commanded Peter to let down his nets in the deep to take a catch of fish. This was against the common practice of fishing at night and near the shore. However, Peter obeyed and let down the nets. The result was a magnificent catch that pointed to Christ’s deity and exposed Peter’s sinfulness in contrast.
Leaving the vast catch was not a sinful waste of food, as some have supposed, because Zebedee and his servants would have been perfectly able to care for the haul. Jesus promised Peter, Andrew, James, and John that they would catch new believers from that time forward. This promise was certainly fulfilled.
Collect for the Day
Almighty God, you have made us for yourself, and our hearts are restless till they find their rest in you: pour your love into our hearts and draw us to yourself, and so bring us at last to your heavenly city where we shall see you face to face; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.