Natural Talents, Discernment, and the LORD's Call

(Luke 5:1-11; Matthew 4:18–22; Mark 1:16–20; John 1:35–42)

Discerning the voice of God, requires on some level, simply recognizing the manner in which the Lord is already preparing one's human heart in the most natural of circumstances, personal talents, (struggles) and occupations.

Simon, son of John was a fisherman by trade. He learned what was needed to feed his family and his community.

He learned about the sea, types of fish, nets, boats, seasons, times, methods, perseverance, and the necessity to trust in his fellow collaborators.

He learned to resist, on some level, a natural born fear of waves and winds, while pushing out into the deep.

He planned, he worked, he sweated, he gave orders, he observed nature, he captured fish, he brought them to shore, he divided the good from the bad, and he sold what was good for a price. It was his natural life.

He did these things for years.

Simon, son of John was no less of a figure, than any of the prophets in the Old Testament. He too was always in the mind of God; even his conception and birth. (cf. Jeremiah 1:5)

God was already preparing Simon, son of John, as a fisherman, for his most sacred calling.

Jesus Christ was out and about calling his disciples one by one:

On one occasion, while Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesareta with the crowd pressing in on Him to hear the word of God, He saw two boats at the edge of the lake. The fishermen had left them and were washing their nets. Jesus got into the boat belonging to Simon and asked him to put out a little from shore. And sitting down, He taught the people from the boat.

When Jesus had finished speaking, He said to Simon, “Put out into deep water and let down your nets for a catch.”

Simon, the fisherman knew by trade that such a command would not prove fruitful (naturally).

Master,” Simon replied, “we have worked hard all night without catching anything. But because You say so, I will let down the nets.”

Simon, son of John obeyed. Already something supernatural was stirring in his soul.

They went out and caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to tear. So they signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink.

When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees. “Go away from me, Lord,” he said, “for I am a sinful man.”

Simon, son of John realized, "The Lord of the Sea and the Sky" is with us. (cf. Amos 5:8; Psalm 33:6-9; 65:7; 89:9; 104:19;136:25)

Simon, son of John was also afraid for another reason. "I am a sinner, so unworthy. I only am a fisherman. My life is on the water; not on land." Jesus Christ tells Simon, son of John, "Do not be afraid. You will become a fisher of men."

Jesus Christ was telling Simon, son of John:

You will plan, work, sweat, give and receive orders. You will observe both nature and most importantly the movements of the Spirit of God. You will capture men for the Kingdom of Heaven. You will bring them to safe shores, and they will hear my Words, "Come to me all who labor and I will give you rest." You will capture men, not with nets but with the Good News (Gospel). You will do all this free of charge. I will be your reward. I will be with you always. Trust me. I will take care of your needs.

Simon, son of John was prepared by God for his future supernatural vocation; to be a fruitful fisher of men. Grace perfects nature. Simon, son of John, the natural fisherman, was to become by grace, Simon Peter (Cephas), the rock and the fisher of men. (cf. Matthew 16: 17-19; John 1:42; 1 Corinthians 1:12; 3:22; 9:5; 15:5; Galatians 1:18; 2:9, 11, 14; Isaiah 22:20-25)

He would also become a glorious martyr in Rome. (cf. John 21: 15-25)

Jesus Christ is already knocking at our doors and we sometimes do not know it.

St. Peter, pray for us.