fresh fish
“Amazement at the catch...seized him.” —Luke 5:9
Jesus gave St. Peter a preview of the great harvest of souls in the huge catch of fish. Peter was amazed at the size of the catch and at Jesus (Lk 5:9). Peter’s personal encounter with Jesus was the critical beginning of his ministry. Each of us desperately needs an “encounter with the living Jesus Christ” (Church in America, Pope St. John Paul II, 3). An intimate relationship with Jesus is the foundation of our Christian life (see 1 Cor 3:11). Everything we do flows from this encounter with the crucified and risen Jesus.
However, Peter’s amazement wasn’t strong enough to endure the cross. He denied Jesus three times. Even when Jesus appeared personally to him after He rose from the dead, Peter still wavered. Not long after meeting the risen Jesus, Peter decided to go back to catching fish instead of men (see Jn 21:3). Peter went stale. He lost his freshness. In His mercy, Jesus gave Peter a repeat of their first encounter, right down to the huge catch of fish (Jn 21:6). Finally, Peter received the Holy Spirit at Pentecost and stayed fresh till the end of his life.
Have you personally encountered the living Jesus? That’s one goal of this Scriptural booklet (see Lk 24:32). If not, ask Jesus to reveal Himself to you. Then “receive the Holy Spirit” (Jn 20:22), Who keeps you fresh and new in Jesus. Receive the Eucharist daily or as often as possible. If you ask Him, Jesus will give you a “Eucharistic amazement” to keep you fresh (Ecclesia de Eucharistia, Pope St. John Paul II, 6). Lead others to be caught up into an eternity of amazement with Jesus.
Prayer: Father, may I, and all I meet, encounter Jesus, know Him personally (Phil 3:10), and remain in Him (Jn 15:4).
Promise: “Do not be afraid. From now on you will be catching men.” —Lk 5:10
Praise: Pope St. Gregory the Great didn’t allow disease or ailments to disrupt his work for the Church. Despite failing health, he cared for his people in every way that he was able.
Reference: (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
Rescript: "In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period August 1, 2026, through September 30, 2026. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio May, 6, 2026"
The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.