Simon said in reply, “Master, we have worked hard all night and have caught nothing, but at your command I will lower the nets.” (Gospel for Feb. 9, Lk 5:5)
St. Peter describes an experience to which many of us can relate. Sometimes, we work tirelessly at something but come up empty, failing at our task and seemingly accomplishing nothing. But Peter here finds overwhelming success when he listens to the Lord and tries again. It may remind us of the psalmist’s words: “Unless the Lord build the house, they labor in vain who build” (Ps 127:1a). In everything we do, let us always seek to do God’s will. Then, no matter the outcome, we will not have worked in vain.
This month, I challenge you to begin each day by offering all your efforts to God. There are many different morning offering prayers; you can find one version in the Catholic Information Service® booklet Prayer Time or in the Vivat Jesus spiritual planner.
Do you feel that there have been times in your life you have worked in vain because you failed to recognize or follow God’s will? Are you ever afraid to “lower the nets” by entrusting your efforts to God? What role does prayer play in growing in trust of God?