Duc in Altum – Put Out into the Deep
Introduction
Imagine a seasoned fisherman—tired, disappointed, and ready to call it a day—when suddenly, a carpenter-turned-preacher tells him to go back into the waters. Logic says it won’t work. Experience confirms it’s a waste of time. But faith? Faith whispers, “At your word, I will let down the nets.”
This moment at the Lake of Gennesaret (also known as the Sea of Galilee or Sea of Tiberias) is not just about fish. It’s about how Jesus calls people—how He transforms lives. Today, through the stories of Isaiah, Paul, and Peter, we see a pattern:
God takes the initiative—He enters our lives unexpectedly.
A true encounter reveals our unworthiness—but His grace transforms us.
Our mission is not about our abilities, but about obedience to His call.
Let’s dive in—Duc in Altum! ("Put out into the deep!")
1. God Enters Our Ordinary Lives Unexpectedly
Jesus calls Peter, not in the Temple, not in prayer, but at work—on a fishing boat. This is how He operates:
Moses was tending sheep.
Gideon was threshing wheat.
Isaiah was in the Temple.
Paul was persecuting Christians!
Likewise, God enters our daily routines—whether we are teachers, parents, businesspeople, or students. The moment we think, “This is just another ordinary day,” Jesus steps in and says, "Follow me."
Peter had been fishing all night without success. Then Jesus says, “Put out into the deep.” Logically, this makes no sense—fishing is done at night, not in broad daylight! But Peter responds with faith, not logic:
“At your word, I will let down the nets.”
And what happens? A catch so large that the boats begin to sink!
2. A True Encounter with Christ Reveals Our Unworthiness
The moment Peter sees this miracle, he doesn’t say, “Wow, Jesus, let’s start a fishing business together!” Instead, he falls to his knees and cries:
“Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!” (Luke 5:8)
Why this reaction? Because divine holiness exposes human frailty. We see this throughout Scripture:
Abraham: "I am but dust and ashes" (Gen 18:27).
Isaiah: "Woe is me! I am a man of unclean lips" (Is 6:5).
Paul: "I am the least of the apostles" (1 Cor 15:9).
It’s easy to feel unworthy when standing before God. But here’s the good news: God does not call the perfect—He perfects the called. Peter’s awareness of his sin does not disqualify him; rather, it prepares him.
3. From Fisherman to Fisher of Men
Jesus responds with words that echo throughout salvation history:
"Do not be afraid."
These words were spoken to Zechariah, to Mary, to Joseph, and now to Peter. God never calls us without equipping us.
Jesus then tells Peter:
“From now on, you will be catching men.”
The symbolism is powerful:
Peter’s net is no longer for fish—it is for souls.
His boat is no longer just for the sea—it is the Church, which will carry many to salvation.
His partners, James and John, will walk with him in this mission.
Just as Peter had partners in fishing, no one is called to serve Christ alone. That’s why Jesus calls disciples into a community—the Church.
4. Leaving Everything for the Sake of the Kingdom
Luke’s Gospel stresses an important detail:
"They left everything and followed Him." (Luke 5:11)
This is true discipleship:
Matthew leaves his tax booth (Luke 5:28).
The rich young man refuses to leave his wealth (Luke 18:22).
Jesus Himself tells us: “Whoever does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:33).
Following Christ requires detachment—not just from material things but from our own ideas of success, security, and comfort. Peter gave up his boat; Paul gave up his prestige; Isaiah gave up his fear.
What is God asking you to let go of?
Conclusion: Duc in Altum!
St. Josemaría Escrivá reflects on this passage, saying:
“Before becoming apostles, we are fishermen. After becoming apostles, we are fishermen still. The same profession, before and after. What has changed? There is a change inside our soul. Now that Christ has come aboard, its horizon has opened wider.”
That’s what happens when Jesus enters our lives:
Our work becomes a mission.
Our failures become a testimony.
Our weaknesses become His strength.
Today, Jesus says to each of us:
"Put out into the deep. Trust Me. Do not be afraid."
How will you respond?